Learn 7 Early Signs of Kidney Disease

3. Face or foot swelling

You’ve surely heard the age-old tip to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning to reduce facial puffiness. Facial swelling is unavoidable with renal disease, no matter how much water you drink. When your kidneys cannot filter out additional toxins, they accumulate, causing puffiness or edema in your face. Another adverse effect of kidney illness that can cause swelling in your ankles or feet is sodium retention.

 

4. Pain in a Specific Area

Your kidneys are placed on each side of your spine in the back of your abdomen. If you get localized pain in your sides or middle to upper back, it could be a symptom that your kidneys aren’t working properly. Muscle cramping is a subtle symptom to look out for in addition to back or side pain. Kidney disease can result in electrolyte abnormalities such as low calcium levels or high phosphorus levels. As a result, you may feel muscle soreness or pins and needles in your arms and legs.

5. Food with a Metallic Taste

Changes in taste are particularly typical in those who have a renal illness. Waste accumulation in the blood can cause food to taste metallic and leave a harsh aftertaste in your mouth. Unfortunately, this can make eating even your favorite dishes challenging. In addition to altering the taste of your food, the waste buildup can create bad breath.

6. Itchy and dry skin

Your kidneys are in charge of keeping your bones strong and the proper amount of minerals in your body. Dry skin and itchy patches can occur when your kidneys are unable to maintain a healthy balance of minerals and nutrients in your blood. Rashes caused by renal failure are typically “deeper” than regular rashes and are refractory to topical treatment.

7. Vomiting and Nausea

It is natural for your body to accumulate waste and fluids when it fails to clear out poisons. Your body must eliminate these poisons in some way, which might result in prolonged nausea and vomiting. This nausea and vomiting might also cause you to lose weight and lose your appetite.

 

When Should You Consult a Professional?

When kidney illness is diagnosed early, it is considerably easier to treat properly. Your urologist will first establish the underlying reason to limit the course of kidney disease. If kidney disease worsens, it can lead to renal failure, which may necessitate dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to survive.

Although all of the symptoms listed above are potential indicators of kidney disease, the only way to be certain is to seek expert advice and be tested. The sooner you detect symptoms and seek medical attention, the sooner you can be diagnosed and begin reducing the progression of your kidney disease. If you recognize any of these early indicators of kidney disease or if you have a medical condition that enhances your risk, please contact a physician as soon as possible.