Kidney disease is also known as a "silent killer" — and rightly so. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and other conditions of kidney disease can quietly form with no noticeable signs or symptoms in their early stages. Symptoms do not appear until the kidneys are severely damaged.
According to Dr. Mohit Khirbat, Consultant, Nephrology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, "The subtle warning signals of kidney disease are most often ignored or attributed to other run-of-the-mill illnesses. Chronic Kidney Disease, especially, can creep over years undetected. Detection of the signs early on will go a long way in slowing its progress."
In this article, we break down five typical early indicators of kidney problems that everyone should look out for.
1. Persistent Fatigue and Lack of Energy
When you're always tired or have difficulty concentrating, your kidneys might be to blame. When kidney performance falls, toxins and waste products start accumulating in the blood, leading to fatigue and confusion.
Also, decreased production of erythropoietin — a hormone secreted by the kidneys that helps in the production of red blood cells — may lead to anaemia. It leaves you weak and breathless even when you put in minimal effort. Unfortunately, most people just put it down to general tiredness or aging.
2. Changes in Urination Pattern
Your urine is an important reflection of the overall health of your kidneys. Some of the initial signs to watch out for are:
- Nocturia (excessive nighttime urination)
- Foamy or foamy look of urine (an indication of protein in the urine)
- Hematuria (blood in urine)
- Dark or dark-colored urine
These signs and symptoms may be mild or temporary but may signal declining kidney function and should be discussed with a doctor.
3. Swelling of the Ankle, Foot, or Eye
Notice puffiness around your eyes or swelling in your feet and lower legs? That is not necessarily due to a salty meal or standing too much. It might be a sign of fluid buildup from impaired kidney function.
Normal kidneys regulate fluid and salt. When they begin to lose function, excess fluids build up, leading to swelling that is visible — and usually blamed on other illnesses.
4. Skin Itching or Rashes with No Obvious Cause
Frequent or unexplained itching can be due to chemical imbalance and waste buildup in the body. As your kidneys lose function, the normal blood levels of phosphorus and calcium become disrupted and cause recurring itch or dry, scaly skin.
This is more than a skin problem — it's a red flag that your kidneys may not be working as well as they should.
5. Nausea, Metallic Taste, and Loss of Appetite
When the kidneys are no longer able to filter out wastes effectively, the toxins begin affecting other organs in the body, including the digestive system. This may result in symptoms like:
- A metallic taste in the mouth
- Bad breath (also referred to as "uremic fetor")
- Nausea or vomiting
- Decreased appetite
These are easy to confuse with gastrointestinal distress, but if persistent, could be an indicator of a serious kidney problem.
Conclusion
Kidney problems won't manifest for years, but your body will give you the clue. Don't ignore these symptoms — early treatment is the key to avoiding long-term damage to the kidneys.
If you find yourself with any of the above issues, consult a nephrologist for proper examination and diagnosis.
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