Kidneys play a vital role in the body, filtering blood and removing waste and excess fluid. They also perform other crucial functions like balancing electrolytes, regulating blood pressure, activating vitamin D (which helps absorb calcium and keep bones strong), and assisting in red blood cell production.
"Kidney damage symptoms are notoriously hard to spot, and by the time you notice them, there's often already been serious damage," says Dr. Jeremy Allen, a family physician, adding that you can lose up to 90% of kidney function without any noticeable symptoms.
Although kidney disease is often asymptomatic, some warning signs can help with early detection, including:
Swelling and weight gain
Kidneys remove waste and excess fluid from the body by producing urine.
"If the kidneys slow down or don't work well, then fluid can be retained, and this can lead to persistent swelling in the tissues," says Dr. Mateo Ledezma, a nephrologist at Kaiser Permanente. This type of swelling is called edema.
Infrequent urination
When more fluid is retained in the tissues, less is expelled, meaning you may urinate less frequently than usual. If you notice you're drinking the same amount of water as usual but urinating less, you should talk to your doctor.
Fatigue
Dr. Ledezma says part of the kidneys' function is to help regulate a person's hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. When kidneys have problems, hemoglobin levels can decrease, and you can develop anemia, which can make you feel tired and weak.
 |
Kidney patients undergoing dialysis at Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, 3/2024. Photo: Phung Tien |
Kidney patients undergoing dialysis at Cho Ray Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, 3/2024. Photo: Phung Tien
Nausea or loss of appetite
When waste builds up in the system because the kidneys can't filter it out, it can begin to affect other parts of the body. This can lead to nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite, making you feel generally unwell.
Difficulty concentrating
Waste buildup can also affect the brain, making you feel like you can't think clearly. Be mindful of symptoms like forgetfulness, trouble focusing, confusion, and difficulty concentrating, especially if they are unusual for you.
High blood pressure
When kidneys are damaged, they can't regulate blood pressure effectively. This creates a vicious cycle. The force of blood pounding against blood vessels makes them stretch, causing further damage by scarring and weakening the blood vessels in the kidneys.
Rapid heartbeat
"If kidney damage is causing a buildup of potassium, you may notice an irregular heartbeat," says Dr. Allen. Your heartbeat might seem fast or uneven, or it might feel like your heart is fluttering.
My Y (According to Prevention)
