Recently, Doctor Hemant Chaugule, a nephrology specialist at Holy Family Hospital in Mumbai, India, announced five early symptoms to help the public identify the risk of kidney disease. The expert refutes the misconception that kidney disease only manifests symptoms in its late stages. According to him, the body consistently sends warning signals from the moment this organ begins to experience a decline in its functions of filtering waste, balancing fluids, and regulating blood pressure.
Disruptions in excretory habits serve as the first warning sign. Patients often experience increased urination, with foamy urine indicating protein leakage. Some individuals may notice a reduced urine output, frequent nocturia, or blood in their urine. Concurrently, the body may show swelling in the legs, ankles, or around the eyes. Inefficient fluid filtration leads to the accumulation of salt and water, causing localized edema. This condition noticeably changes throughout the day, differing from general weight gain distributed evenly across the body.
Persistent fatigue and weakness also reflect a decline in kidney function. A weakened kidney reduces the production of red blood cell-stimulating hormone, leading to anemia, causing constant weakness and shortness of breath. Additionally, people often confuse kidney damage symptoms with common digestive illnesses. Loss of appetite, nausea, or a metallic taste in the mouth occur due to excessive toxin accumulation in the blood. Doctor Chaugule advises against viewing appetite loss as a weight loss opportunity.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the final significant sign. Many young individuals consistently take medication, yet their blood pressure remains high, reflecting an underlying medical condition rather than merely work-related stress. According to statistics from the US National Kidney Association, about 10% of the global population suffers from chronic kidney disease. To prevent the disease from progressing to kidney failure, doctors recommend that high-risk groups, such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, proactively undergo regular blood and urine tests.
Binh Minh (According to Hindustan Times)
