More than 37 million Americans have renal disease, yet the majority are unaware of it. There are several physical indications of kidney illness. However, they are commonly misattributed to other disorders. 

Furthermore, persons with renal illness do not usually notice symptoms until the kidneys are failing or there is a lot of protein in the urine. This is one of the reasons why only 10% of persons with chronic renal disease are aware of their condition.

If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of renal failure, or are above 60 years old, you should get physicals and be examined for kidney disease yearly. Make sure to inform your doctor about any symptoms you are having.

While the only way to tell whether you have kidney illness is to be tested, we’ve compiled a list of probable symptoms.

Fatigue and Problems with Concentration

A significant decline in kidney function can result in the accumulation of toxins and pollutants in the blood. This can make people tired and weak, making it difficult to focus. Anemia is another consequence of renal illness that can induce weakness.

Difficulties Sleeping

Toxins remain in the circulation rather than leaving the body through the urine when the kidneys fail to filter effectively. This can make sleeping difficult. Sleep apnea is also more frequent in persons with chronic kidney disease than in the general population.

Dry and Itchy Skin

Dry and itchy skin can indicate mineral and bone disease, which frequently occurs alongside severe renal disease. This happens when the kidneys can no longer maintain the proper balance of minerals and nutrients in your blood.

Puffiness around the Eyes

Protein in the urine is an early symptom that the filters in the kidneys have been damaged, enabling protein to flow into the urine. This puffiness around your eyes might be caused by your kidneys spilling a significant amount of protein in the urine rather than storing it.

Swollen Feet and Ankles

Reduced renal function can cause sodium retention, resulting in inflammation in your feet and ankles. Lower extremity swelling can also be a symptom of heart illness, liver disease, or persistent leg vein issues.

Reduced Appetite

This is a generic symptom that many conditions can cause, but one of the explanations might be a buildup of toxins caused by impaired kidney function.

Muscle Cramps 

Impaired renal function can cause electrolyte abnormalities. Low calcium levels, for example, and poorly managed phosphorus levels may also lead to muscular cramping.

Frequent Urination

If you need to urinate more frequently, especially at night, this might indicate kidney disease. When the kidney filters are compromised, the desire to urinate increases. In males, this might be an indication of a urinary infection or an enlarged prostate.

Blood or Foam in Your Urine

When healthy kidneys filter wastes from the blood to make urine, they usually retain blood cells in the body; but, when the kidney’s filters are damaged, these blood cells might begin to “leak” out into the urine. Blood in the urine can indicate malignancies, kidney stones, an infection, and renal disease.

Excessive bubbles in the urine, especially those that take multiple flushes before they disappear, suggest protein in the urine. Because the common protein in urine, albumin, is the same protein found in eggs. This foam may resemble scrambled eggs.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, see your physician or go to your nearest walk-in clinic. Your doctor or a healthcare team member can create a treatment plan suitable to your needs.

Are you looking to get physicals in Santa Fe, NM? Aspen Medical Center offers state-of-the-art primary care and urgent care services. Schedule your online check-in today!