It is believed that 15% of adults in the United States have renal disease, and the majority are unaware of it. According to surveys, 9 out of 10 persons with renal illness are ignorant of their condition. This is a concerning statistic.
As with any sickness, getting detected and treated as soon as possible is critical. We’re here to raise awareness about kidney illness and the subtle signs that often go overlooked. Continue reading to learn more about the disease and its risk factors and the seven early indicators of kidney disease to be aware of.
Kidney Disease Overview
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs placed on each side of your spine below the rib cage. They are in charge of filtering excess waste, fluids, and other contaminants from your blood via urine.
To put things into perspective, healthy kidneys filter about half a cup of blood per minute; however, when you have kidney disease, your kidneys lose this power. As a result, potentially hazardous levels of waste and fluid can collect within your body.
Your kidneys perform a number of essential jobs in addition to eliminating pollutants. They control the balance of water and minerals in your blood, produce a chemical that stimulates the production of red blood cells, and produce a form of vitamin D that is required for bone health. All of these functions are also harmed by renal illness, which we will cover further below.
Factors Associated with Kidney Disease
A number of illnesses and lifestyle factors can raise your chance of getting kidney disease. These are some examples:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Cardiovascular disease
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Kidney illness in the family
If you have any of these diseases, consult your doctor about your risk factors and get tested for kidney disease.
Kidney Disease Warning Signs
You may have no indications or symptoms of renal disease in the early stages. As your kidney impairment worsens, symptoms may emerge and intensify. Keep an eye out for these potential kidney disease symptoms so that it doesn’t go unnoticed and you can get them treated as soon as possible.
1. Urine Changes
Because urine production is one of your kidneys’ primary tasks, it’s no surprise that you should pay particular attention to your urine while looking for early indicators of kidney illness. A range of urinary issues is likely if your kidneys don’t function properly. Some warning signs include blood in your urine, an increased need to urinate, and the appearance of cloudy or foamy urine.
2. Tiredness
A healthy kidney produces erythropoietin (EPO), which stimulates your body to make red blood cells. As your kidneys fail, they create less EPO, which causes your body to make fewer red blood cells. Anemia, which happens when your brain lacks oxygen, can be caused by a lack of red blood cells. You may feel weary, dizzy, or weak as a result of this. You may also notice that you are more mentally drained than usual or that your memory and concentration are impaired.