How to Recognize Kidney Disease
Common kidney disease symptoms can develop without you even noticing. Most people only notice signs after they begin to negatively impact their quality of life. It’s essential to be on the lookout for common kidney disease symptoms to get help as soon as possible. Let's review some signs and symptoms to watch for.
1. Frequent Urination
Night-time urination, also known as nocturia, can arise when the kidneys are unable to properly filter water and salt intake. Frequent urination, especially at night, is mostly seen in the early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Because it's one of the earliest signs of kidney disease, it might be overlooked.
It's sometimes mistaken for other issues, such as:
- Enlarged prostate in men.
- UTI in women.
- Pregnancy-related symptoms in women.
If you’ve started waking up at night to urinate, or experience frequent urination during the day, contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can help diagnose the root cause of your frequent urination.
2. Foam in Urine
Like frequent urination, foam in the urine can be harmless or a sign of something else besides kidney disease. While a single layer of foamy urine might be normal, foamy urine that requires several flushes to clear could be a sign of protein in the urine.
Protein in the urine is also known as proteinuria, and is one of the first signs of kidney disease now disrupting your body’s ability to filter waste. A medical provider will be able to conduct a urine test to measure protein in your urine. This test is a good indicator of possible CKD.
3. Poor Appetite
Poor appetite and anorexia are other distressing symptoms of chronic kidney disease. Poor appetite is often caused by a number of factors, including:
- Rising toxins in urine.
- Alterations in gut micro bacteria.
- Metabolic derangement.
- Other psychological factors.
It’s important to address a lack of appetite as soon as possible. People with CKD need to maintain proper nutrient levels to function.
4. Itchy, Dry Skin
Loss of minerals can not only lead to nutrient deficiencies and anorexia, but also itchy and dry skin. Itchy skin is often difficult to spot. Changes in weather and general changes to self-care routines can all impact skin’s elasticity.
However, kidney disease causes itchy and dry skin due to the body’s inability to eliminate toxins and maintain a proper mineral balance. If you notice the above symptoms in addition to itchy and dry skin, it could be worth seeking advice from your provider.
5. Insomnia
People with kidney failure also commonly report symptoms of insomnia. In fact, studies show that between 50% to 75% of patients with kidney failure and as high as 36% of patients with early CKD report struggling with insomnia. Night-time urination can possibly be a cause of insomnia.
Other causes of insomnia in people with CKD are:
- Sleep apnea
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Metabolic changes due to CKD
- Inadequate dialysis treatment
Studies also show that people who received full kidney replacement therapy suffered from less sleep disturbances than those without, solidifying the link between the two. Getting help for kidney disease may help with insomnia.
6. Edema
Edema is the medical term for swelling in the body. Edema is commonly linked to kidney disease when seen in the legs or under the eyes. Foot and leg swelling along with puffy eyes could be one of the earliest signs of kidney disease. This swelling occurs as a result of fluid and salt build-up that the kidneys are unable to excrete.
Edema can also be a sign of other diseases such as congestive heart failure or liver damage. Investigating the cause of your edema should be a priority. Your doctor can help diagnose your edema and offer treatment options like compression socks, physical modifications or treatment for chronic kidney disease symptoms.
Ask For Help For Chronic Kidney Disease
Visiting a doctor is crucial if you suspect any signs of CKD. Kidney disease can be diagnosed with a simple blood test to evaluate creatinine levels along with other lab work. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms along with more serious issues like shortness of breath, blood in your urine or extreme fatigue, see a doctor immediately.
Early detection could be the key to preventing chronic kidney disease from progressing. Arming yourself with the knowledge of how to manage chronic kidney disease symptoms and being aware of kidney disease signs could help you take preventative measures to improve your overall health.
Want to improve your overall health? Check out our list of drinks to avoid for colon health.