The kidneys are one of the most important organs in our body. Every day, they clean the blood, remove excess water and waste from the body, and help control blood pressure. However, the concerning fact is that even when the kidneys are gradually being damaged, the body often does not give any strong warning signs. As a result, many people do not realize there is a problem until a large portion of their kidney function has already been lost.
According to doctors, some symptoms of kidney disease seem so common that people often ignore them, thinking they are caused by fatigue, aging, or a busy lifestyle. But with timely awareness, serious damage can often be prevented. Experts say the risk is even higher for people with diabetes and high blood pressure. That is why even small changes in the body should be taken seriously.
Common kidney disease symptoms
Swollen ankles
Kidneys remove waste and excess fluid from your body by producing urine. If the kidneys slow down or do not work well, then fluid can be retained. This can result in persistent swelling in tissue. Swelling caused by excess fluid in the body is called edema and happens most often in the feet, ankles, and legs, per the Cleveland Clinic.
Infrequent urination
When more fluid is stuck in tissues, less is being flushed out—meaning you may be peeing less than usual. If you notice you’re drinking the same amount you normally do, but urinating less frequently, it may be worth bringing up with your doctor. Low urine output is most common in people with certain types of kidney disease that can cause acute kidney injury.
Fatigue
Part of the function of the kidneys is to help regulate a person’s hemoglobin level. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that helps circulate oxygen throughout the body. When something goes wrong with kidneys, hemoglobin levels can drop and you can become anemic—making you feel tired and weak.
Nausea or loss of appetite
When waste builds up in your system because your kidneys aren’t filtering it out, it can start to mess with other parts of your body. This can lead to nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite and just generally make you feel sick.
High blood pressure
Once your kidneys are damaged, they can’t effectively regulate your blood pressure. At the same time, the force of your blood pounding against vessels stretches them, causing further damage by scarring and weakening the blood vessels in kidneys.
Heart palpitations
If kidney damage is causing a build-up of potassium, you might notice an abnormal heartbeat. Heartbeat might seem fast or irregular, or you may feel like your heart is fluttering.
Brain fog
Waste build-up can also affect your brain causing you to feel like you can’t think clearly. Pay attention to symptoms like forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, confusion, and brain fog, especially if they’re out of character for you.
Source: Prevention
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