The bean-shaped organs located on either side of the body, Kidneys, play a vital role in the body. They clean the blood by removing waste and excess fluid, which the body excretes as urine. Apart from this, kidneys also help control blood pressure and balance salt and minerals. It is important to take care of kidneys to keep them healthy and functioning.
Kidney diseases manifest over time. In earlier stages, they might not show any symptoms and develop silently. By the time symptoms start appearing, a lot of damage is done, and kidney function may already be silently affected.
Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and inherited kidney disorders can increase the risk of kidney disease. Early detection can help doctors identify kidney damage and take steps to slow its progression.
It is important to be completely aware of the causes and symptoms of kidney diseases for timely prevention, treatment and management. In the following blog, we will explore everything about kidney diseases and the top 8 symptoms of kidney diseases.
What Do the Kidneys Do?
Let us first understand the role of kidneys in detail. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, below the rib cage. They continuously filter the blood and remove waste through urine.
Their major functions include:
- Filtering waste: Remove waste products and excess substances from the blood.
- Removing excess fluid: Maintain the body's fluid balance.
- Producing urine: Remove waste and extra water from the body.
- Regulating blood pressure: Help maintain healthy blood pressure.
- Balancing minerals: Regulate electrolytes such as sodium and potassium.
- Supporting red blood cell production: Help the body produce red blood cells.
- Maintaining bone health: Support the balance of minerals needed for healthy bones.
When kidney function decreases, waste and excess fluid can build up in the body. This can eventually affect multiple organs and systems.
Common Kidney Diseases / Conditions
Some of the Common kidney conditions include:
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
- Kidney Stones
- Kidney Infections
- Diabetic Kidney Disease
- Glomerulonephritis
- Iga Nephropathy
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Lupus Nephritis
- Kidney Cysts
- Hydronephrosis
- Kidney and Urinary Tract Abnormalities
- Kidney Cancer
Causes of Kidney Diseases
Some of the common causes of kidney diseases include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Kidney infections
- Kidney stones
- Autoimmune diseases
- Inherited disorders
- Certain medicines
- Obesity
- Acute kidney injury
- Urinary tract obstruction
- Smoking and tobacco use
Who Is at Risk of Kidney Disease?
Kidney disease can affect anyone. It is important to consult an experienced nephrologist for timely health checkups to ensure the best kidney health.
Many factors contribute to kidney diseases. People who smoke, have poor lifestyle, autoimmune diseases, and more may have a higher risk of developing kidney diseases.
You may be at increased risk if you:
- Have diabetes
- Have high blood pressure
- Have heart disease or heart failure
- Have a family history of kidney disease or kidney failure
- Are aged 60 or above
- Have obesity
- Smoke or use tobacco
- Have had an episode of acute kidney injury
- Have an inherited kidney disorder
- Have certain autoimmune diseases
- Have a history of recurrent or untreated urinary tract infections
- Frequently or excessively use certain pain medicines, including NSAIDs
If any of the above applies to you, meet a kidney expert for complete kidney care.
8 Early Signs of Kidney Disease You Should Never Ignore
Before knowing about the signs and symptoms, remember that early kidney disease often causes no symptoms. They can become more noticeable as kidney function declines. They can either be detected through blood tests or physical discomfort like pain or swelling.
The following signs should not automatically be assumed to mean kidney disease. However, persistent or unexplained symptoms should be discussed with an experienced kidney health expert.
1. Frequent or Less Urination
A change in your normal urination pattern can be a warning sign of kidney disease. You may notice that you have an urge to urinate more frequently, especially at night. Sometimes changes in urine quantity or difficulty while urinating can also indicate a kidney disease risk.
2. Foamy or Bubbly Urine
Persistent foamy urine can sometimes indicate excess protein in the urine. Damaged kidneys sometimes allow albumin and other proteins to leak into the urine, making it appear foamy. If it continues for days, get yourself tested to check whether the protein is present or not, which can help indicate the risk of kidney damage.
3. Blood in the Urine
Pink, red or dark-coloured urine can sometimes indicate blood in the urine, known as hematuria. While blood in urine can occur because of other conditions as well, it must not be ignored, especially if it is recurrent or accompanied by other symptoms like pain, fever or changes in urine pattern.
4. Swelling Around the Eyes, Feet or Ankles
Swelling, medically called oedema, can occur when the kidneys cannot remove enough salt and fluid from the body. In this case, you may notice puffy eyes, swelling of legs, ankles, feet and around hands or face. Persistent swelling is not healthy and should not be ignored. It must be evaluated by a doctor.
5. Persistent Fatigue and Weakness
Feeling unusually tired can be associated with advanced kidney disease. As kidney function declines, complications such as anaemia can develop. Waste accumulation and changes in the body's internal balance may also contribute to fatigue.
6. Nausea, Vomiting or Loss of Appetite
While nausea or loss of appetite can be easily ignored, prolonged and recurrent episodes should be considered seriously. Don’t rely on home remedies or forced feeding. Since these symptoms can have many other causes, they should be assessed in context rather than assumed to be caused by kidney disease.
7. Itchy or Dry Skin
Advanced kidney disease can also cause itchy or dry skin. As kidney function reduces, changes in minerals and waste accumulation can contribute to skin damage or changes. Unusual dryness, itching combined with other symptoms must be evaluated with a doctor.
8. Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps, aches or spasms can occur with kidney disease, particularly in more advanced stages.
Kidneys help regulate electrolytes and minerals. Reduced kidney function can disrupt this balance.
Frequent or unexplained muscle cramps should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
How Is Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
Symptoms alone cannot confirm kidney disease. In fact, early kidney disease often has no symptoms, making screening particularly important for people at increased risk. The two key markers used to identify and monitor CKD include urine albumin and eGFR.
To diagnose, doctors first ask about the patient's medical history and symptoms. Then they recommend some tests, which may include:
- Blood Tests
- Urine Tests
- Blood Pressure Measurement
- Imaging Tests
How Can You Protect Your Kidney Health?
While you cannot prevent every type of kidney disease, several lifestyle and medical measures can help reduce kidney damage and protect kidney function. Follow some preventive measures to keep your kidneys healthy. These include:
- Control Blood Pressure
- Manage Blood Sugar
- Stay Physically Active
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Avoid Smoking and Tobacco
- Take Medicines Responsibly
- Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet When Needed
- Stay Hydrated Appropriately
- Treat Urinary Infections Promptly
- Get Regular Kidney Tests if You Are at Risk
When Should You See a Kidney Specialist?
Consult a nephrologist near you if you notice unusual signs and symptoms in your body. While all signs may not indicate kidney disease, still talk to a kidney specialist to rule out any underlying condition and take preventive measures. Early diagnosis can help in timely management of the disease and save the kidney before it gets damaged.
Consult a kidney specialist if you notice:
- Changes in urination
- Foamy urine
- Blood in urine
- Swelling
- Unexplained fatigue
- Recurrent nausea or vomiting
- Persistent itching
- Muscle cramps
- Difficulty concentrating
- Shortness of breath
Final Takeaway
Kidney disease can remain silent for years. Do not wait for severe symptoms before paying attention to your kidney health. Regular health checkups are a must, especially if you are at risk of kidney disease.
Persistent changes in urine, swelling, fatigue, nausea, itching, muscle cramps or other unexplained symptoms should be evaluated. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or a family history of kidney disease, regular kidney testing is especially important.
At Sarvodaya Hospital, we have a dedicated department for Nephrology, Dialysis and Kidney Transplant where highly experienced nephrologists leverage advanced technical modalities, new-age treatment and minimally invasive procedures for complete management of acute to chronic kidney diseases.
If you are concerned about your kidney health, consult a kidney expert for appropriate evaluation rather than relying on symptoms alone. Always remember, timely treatment saves lives.
