Kidneys could be called the filters of your body. They filter the fluids you consume, separate the toxins from the materials required to the body, release hormones and recycle the fluids, in simple terms. However, kidney diseases cause a hindrance to this process and hence toxins get accumulated in the body which could prove harmful to your health. Several millions of people suffer from kidney diseases such as kidney failure, Urinary Tract Infection, Chronic Kidney Disease, Kidney Stones, etc yearly and almost 90% of them fail to detect it in the early stages. Therefore, it is of high importance that you are aware of the symptoms that could indicate kidney problems, basic treatment, and preventive measures. Some symptoms of the same are:
1. Unusual sensations while urinating
Since kidneys are directly related to the urine formation process, you might notice some abnormalities in the urine or urinating process if the kidneys are malfunctioning. This might be excessively urinating several times a day, feeling burning sensation or pressure while passing the urine, change of urine colour (pale, brown, purple, red, etc.), foamy urine, presence of blood, etc.
2. Swollen feet or/and face
Since kidney failure wrecks the natural recycling and filtering process of fluids in the body, these fluids get accumulated in the feet, ankles, and face making it seem puffed up and swollen. This could cause difficulty in walking even short distances where you could feel tired and exhausted due to the swelling. This could indicate kidney failure and is a sign to seek immediate medical consultation.
3. Difficulty catching breath
As fluids get disposed of in the feet and face, it also gets accumulated in the lungs due to unauthorized distribution, lack of processing, and recycling. This accumulation leads to pressure and blockage in the lungs which results in breathing issues. This could be mistaken with asthma or other respiratory issues but the possibility of kidney disease should not be overlooked.
4. Exhaustion and fatigue
Kidneys are responsible for releasing certain hormones that aid the functioning and sustenance of red blood cells, a lack of which the person could be affected with problems like anaemia. In this case, you would feel tired all the time, exhausted, and drained as toxins are accumulated in the body and blood which blocks the supply of oxygen to several parts of the body. This could also restrict the body from obtaining proper sleep.
5. Bad breath
The inability of kidneys to get rid of the waste causes the toxins to stay in the body. This causes uremia which makes the affected person’s breath smell bad or metal/ammonia-like. This is because poison-like substances get accumulated throughout the body and could also cause nausea.
6. Lack of focus and concentration
Since the accumulation of waste blocks the proper functioning of the red blood cells which carry and supply the oxygen to different parts of the body, it also affects the proper flow of oxygen to the brain which could result in foggy memory, inability to focus for a long time, confusions, dizziness, etc.
7. Itchy skin
The imbalance in minerals and nutrients in the blood, the lack of disposal of toxins, and improper release of hormones cause the accumulation of urea, a byproduct of protein processing – this starts to be visible in the skin as the development of rashes, dry skin, and constant itchiness.
8. Muscle cramps
Since the kidneys are unable to process and distribute electrolytes and sodium, potassium, or calcium which are crucial to the nerves and bones of the body – the person suffering from a kidney disease might tend to have muscle cramps, bone issues, cramps, etc.
9. Treatment and prevention
Timely diagnosis and proper treatment can help one to recover from kidney disease. If you spot any of the above symptoms, it is highly suggested to take either a urine test, blood test, kidney biopsy, etc. The treatment could range from medication for the effects that come with the kidney diseases such as blood pressure variations, anaemia, bone diseases, waste processing, mineral and electrolyte distribution, etc to Dialysis and Transplantation in the later stages.
However, there are a number of ways through which you could protect and safeguard your kidney’s well being:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by drinking proper amounts of water, having all the vitamins and minerals in your diet, exercising regularly, etc.
- Get regular health checkups either from professional sources yearly or at least keep a track of your health by undergoing home tests once in a while.
- Do not consume unauthorized drugs or pills and do not overdose. These contain substances that have a high potential of causing kidney damage.
- Put a leash or limit on alcohol consumption and smoking habits.
- Control and regulate diabetes and cholesterol levels. Ensure your blood pressure is always on a healthy target.
- Be aware of what is damaging for the kidney and alter your food consumption according to that. For example, limit the addition of excessive amounts of salt in your food.
However, getting diagnosed with kidney disease is nothing to panic about. Talk to your doctor and get started with the treatment processes as soon as possible, maintain a healthy monitored routine, and communicate with friends and family about your troubles. Most importantly, spread the word around about the importance of being aware of kidney diseases and try your best to keep them healthy and working.
