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What are the symptoms of kidney disease, and how can people recognize the signs before the disease becomes too advanced?

Kurtis Sigward

Kidney disease, also known as renal disease, refers to damage or impairment to the kidneys that impacts their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood effectively. This condition affects over 37 million adults in the United States alone, and it is essential to be aware of its symptoms to get an early diagnosis and take preventive measures.

The signs and symptoms of kidney disease may vary depending on the extent of the damage and the underlying cause. However, some common indications include:

1. Changes in urination: People with kidney disease may experience changes in their urine output, such as decreased or increased urine volume, frequency, or color. They may also have foamy or dark-colored urine due to the presence of blood, protein, or other substances not typically found in healthy urine.

2. Swelling: Kidney disease can cause fluid retention in the body, leading to swelling or edema in areas such as the hands, feet, ankles, face, or abdomen.

3. Fatigue and weakness: As the kidneys become less efficient in removing waste and toxins from the body, people with kidney disease may feel tired, weak, and lethargic.

4. Nausea and vomiting: Kidney damage can also affect the digestive system, causing nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

5. High blood pressure: Chronic kidney disease can raise blood pressure and medication levels that help reduce hypertension as the only cure.

6. Back pain: Kidney disease can cause a dull, aching pain in the lower back, particularly on either side of the spine near the kidneys.

To recognize the signs before the disease progresses, people should monitor their kidney function, especially if they have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease. Regular blood and urine tests can detect abnormalities in kidney function, even when there are no apparent symptoms. These tests include:

1. Creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) tests: These blood tests measure the levels of waste products that the kidneys should filter out, and they can indicate kidney damage if they are elevated.

2. Urine albumin test: This test measures the amount of albumin, a protein typically found in the blood, that is excreted in the urine. Elevated levels can be a sign of kidney damage.

3. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR): This test estimates how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood. A lower GFR suggests reduced kidney function.

Additionally, people should adopt healthy lifestyle habits to protect their kidney function, such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, staying hydrated, managing chronic conditions, and taking medication as directed by their healthcare provider.

In conclusion, recognizing the signs of kidney disease early on is crucial for timely diagnosis and management. People should pay attention to changes in their urination, swelling, fatigue, nausea, high blood pressure, or back pain, and get tested regularly for kidney function. By taking a proactive approach to kidney health, individuals can prevent or delay the progression of kidney disease and maintain their quality of life.