The kidneys are bean-shaped organs which filter blood and eliminate waste from the body. Both kidneys are located on either side of your lower back below your ribcage.
You need healthy kidneys to stay alive. When something goes wrong it can quickly get worse and be life-threatening.
It’s vital to know and be alert to the warning signs of kidney disease .
Frequent Urination
Urine is the waste product that your kidneys filter. Your kidneys will not function properly if they aren’t working correctly. This can lead to waste products building up in your blood and an increased need to urinate.
You may be experiencing frequent bathroom trips if you have been drinking lots of fluids or water. If you don’t drink more fluids and still feel the need to urinate constantly, this could be an indication of kidney damage. This is also a common symptom of urinary tract infection.
Foamy or bloody Urine
It is a sign of high protein levels in your urine if it foams up. Albumin is the protein in question. Albumin can also be found in eggs. This is why urine may look like it is foaming.
Something is wrong if blood leaks into your urine. This could be due to a kidney infection, a stone or even a tumour. The color of bloody urine can be reddish, brownish, or even black.
Swollen Feet or Ankles
Your body will retain fluid if your kidneys do not filter waste products correctly. It may cause swelling in your ankles or feet. You may also experience swelling on your hands or face.
You should consult your doctor if you notice that parts of your body are suddenly swollen or bloated.
Muscle Cramping
Electrolytes are controlled by your kidneys. Your blood contains electrolytes such as sodium and potassium that transmit electrical impulses.
If your electrolyte level is out of balance, it can affect the nerves which send electrical signals to muscles. This can lead to muscle spasms or cramps.
If your body is experiencing unusual cramps, twitches or spasms this could indicate that your kidneys do not regulate your electrolyte level as they should.
Dry and itchy skin
When your kidneys are not able to remove waste properly from your blood, toxins can build up. This may cause an skin reaction .
Most often, a dry patch or itchy area of skin is a simple skin irritation. It may also be a sign you need to moisturize your skin with lotion. If the itching is widespread or accompanied by kidney symptoms, then the cause could be kidney disease.
Shortness in Breathing
Kidney diseases can reduce the production erythropoietin , a hormone responsible for stimulating production of oxygen-carrying hematocrits.
Shortness of breath can be caused by anemia, which is a low red blood cell count. Fluid buildup around or in the lungs can also be caused by kidney disease, which makes breathing difficult.
Consult your doctor if you have trouble catching breath, feel out of breath without apparent cause, or are tired all the time. These could be signs of kidney problems.
Although each of these symptoms may indicate a condition that is less serious, you should be aware of the possibility of kidney failure if you experience any combination of symptoms.
Contact your primary care doctor immediately if you have concerns about your health.
