12 symptoms of kidney disease you shouldn't ignore

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Swelling, headaches and even fatigue are reasons to go to the doctor.

The buds resemble two fist-sized beans. They are located just below the ribcage on either side of the spine.

Healthy kidneys filter about half a cup of blood every minute to flush waste and excess water in the urine. They also maintain the balance of minerals and nutrients in the blood, produce hormones, control blood pressure and red blood cell count, and help maintain healthy bones.

Vladimir Mukhin, physician of clinical laboratory diagnostics, LabQuest, researcher of the neonatology department of the N. N. Dmitry Rogachev

The kidneys are the filter of our body. Infections, chronic diseases, poor environmental conditions, medications, food toxins, smoking, alcohol, unhealthy lifestyles - all of this hit the kidneys noticeably.

Often kidney disease develops imperceptibly: symptoms do not appear immediately. And those that appear, people do not pay attention, because they do not associate them with the genitourinary system. And in vain.

1. Foam in the urine

Sometimes foam appears due to the strong pressure of urine. And that's okay. But if other symptoms listed in the article are added, it's time to worry.

Denis Volodin expert of the laboratory "Gemotest", oncourologist of the State Research Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Center named after A. I. Burnazyan FMBA of Russia, member of the Sun & Fun group of interdisciplinary surgeons

Usually, foam indicates the presence of protein or toxic substances in the urine. This is caused by malfunctioning of the kidneys, impaired excretion and filtration of various compounds and blood components.

2. Pink, red, or brown urine

Normal urine color ranges from pale yellow to dark amber. Foods such as beets, berries and beans, and medicines can change it. They color the urine orange, pink, brown, red, and even greenish blue.

The problem is that blood can make urine reddish too, and this is already very bad. So if you notice this classic symptom of kidney disease, go see your doctor.

3. Cloudy urine

It can be a symptom of kidney stones or a urinary tract infection.

Another reason for the loss of transparency is dehydration: the urine simply becomes more concentrated. As soon as you notice this, try to drink more water. If the urine becomes clear again and no other symptoms appear, everything is fine. If not, see a nephrologist.

4. Back pain

Kidney pain is usually felt in the back - under the ribs, to the right or left of the spine. It can spread to other areas, such as the belly or groin.

This symptom is sometimes confused with pain in the lumbar spine. And that's bad. In order not to start the disease, it is important to seek professional help in time.

Denis Volodin oncourologist at the State Research Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Center named after I. I. A. I. Burnazyan FMBA of Russia

5. Chronic fatigue, weakness

The kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that regulates the production of red blood cells. If it is not enough, anemia, weakness, fatigue appear. And this is a good reason to have your kidneys checked.

6. Headaches or dizziness

Toxins accumulated in the body due to kidney dysfunctions interfere with the normal functioning of the brain. This leads to problems with memory and concentration, dizziness, headaches. Tasks that you used to do with ease become difficult and require a lot of energy.

The above are signs of anemia and inflammation associated with impaired renal function. If symptoms recur periodically, the urinary system should be checked.

Denis Volodin oncourologist of the State Research Center of the Federal Medical and Biological Center named after I. I. A. I. Burnazyan FMBA of Russia

7. Nausea and vomiting

If you feel nauseous during or after a meal, but it's not a food poisoning or indigestion, get your kidneys tested. They may not be able to cope with the elimination of harmful substances.

Just in case, make an appointment with a therapist to rule out other causes of nausea. And then go to the nephrologist.

8. Need to urinate more often

It can cause disease in any part of the urinary system. But if we talk about the kidneys, it may be an infection (pyelonephritis), the formation of stones, or a violation of one of the important functions - maintaining the balance of fluid in the body.

9. Edema

They appear when fluid is retained in the body. The swelling of the legs and the area around the eyes is most noticeable.

Swelling by itself does not mean that you are sick. Perhaps you just ate a lot of salty food, sat in one position for a long time, or drank some kind of medicine. In women, water can be retained before menstruation and during pregnancy.

If swelling is a recurring problem, then it may be related to kidney disease.

10. Dry itchy skin

When the kidneys are unable to maintain the balance of minerals and nutrients in the blood, as well as to get rid of toxins and excess fluid, skin problems can develop.

Of course, there are many harmless causes for itching and dryness. For example, bathing in hot water, harsh soap, sun exposure. It is definitely not worth panicking and blaming everything on the kidneys, but you need to be checked just in case.

11. A sharp increase in blood pressure

The kidneys are one of the links in the human hormonal system that regulates the pressure and blood volume in the body. Therefore, their improper operation can cause an attack of hypertension.

However, this symptom speaks of kidney disease only if you have other symptoms described.

12. Change in body temperature

Constant chills even in warmth and an unexplained rise in temperature are also symptoms of kidney disease.

Denis Volodin notes that the temperature rises when inflammation begins. This happens, for example, with pyelonephritis.

Chills, on the other hand, cause anemia, which we have already mentioned above.

What to do if you notice these symptoms

Go to a nephrologist or urologist, undergo an examination, take urine and blood tests.

Many, having passed a general urine test and having received good results, calm down: everything is in order with the kidneys. And in vain. Because this analysis is not indicative for diagnosis. To be calm about the work of the kidneys, you need one, and preferably twice a year, to take tests not only of urine, but also of blood. They will help check the condition of the kidneys.

Vladimir Mukhin, clinical laboratory diagnostics physician LabQuest

Most kidney diseases are curable but cause dangerous complications. Therefore, do not ignore the described symptoms.