According to Master, Doctor Pham Quang Khai, from the Department of Nephrology - Urology - Andrology at E Hospital, kidneys possess a strong compensatory ability. This often means many individuals live with kidney disease for extended periods without realizing it. By the time symptoms manifest, the disease has often progressed to a late stage, making treatment challenging and less effective.
To prevent missing the critical early phase for intervention, Doctor Khai highlights key warning signs of kidney disease that are frequently overlooked:
More frequent nighttime urination than normal
If you previously did not wake up to urinate but now find yourself waking two or three times each night, this could be a significant indicator. While many attribute this to increased fluid intake or aging, it may signal that your kidneys are beginning to lose their ability to concentrate urine.
Abnormalities in urine
Observe for prolonged foamy urine, resembling beer froth. Other abnormalities include blood in the urine, which may appear pink or tea-colored, or cloudy urine with sediment. Any unusual increase or decrease in urine volume can also be a red flag. These symptoms often indicate protein loss through urine or damage to the kidney glomeruli.
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Urine dipstick tests help assess protein and blood levels in urine. Photo: Very Well Health |
Urine dipstick tests help assess protein and blood levels in urine. Photo: Very Well Health
Mild swelling in the face or feet
Slightly swollen eyelids upon waking in the morning, or mild swelling of the ankles and feet by evening, are subtle but important warning signs. This occurs because the kidneys may be retaining salt and water, or the body is losing protein through urine.
Fatigue and reduced concentration
If you experience increased fatigue, difficulty concentrating at work, or frequent drowsiness, this could be linked to kidney function. A potential cause is reduced kidney production of hormones that stimulate red blood cell formation, leading to anemia.
High blood pressure or difficulty controlling it
Many individuals only discover kidney disease during examinations for high blood pressure. Kidneys and blood pressure, in fact, share a very close relationship.
Other indicators include generalized itching without an identifiable dermatological condition. This symptom may arise from the accumulation of waste products in the blood due to declining kidney function. Additionally, loss of appetite, mild nausea, poor taste, bloating, and indigestion are often mistakenly attributed to common digestive issues.
Many individuals also report lower back pain, a dull ache on one or both sides of the lumbar region, sometimes accompanied by fever, painful urination, blood in the urine, or a history of kidney stones.
Early detection of kidney disease is possible through regular urine tests, blood creatinine tests, and kidney ultrasounds. High-risk groups include individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or a history of kidney stones. Caution is also advised for those with a family history of kidney disease and individuals who regularly use painkillers for extended periods.
Thuy An
