Kidneys are one of the most vital organs in our body, they are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and producing urine to excrete them out of the body. However, our kidneys can become impaired, leading to various health problems.
Here we’ll take a look at ten indications of kidney troubles.
1. Fatigue
One of the first indications of kidney problems is feeling tired and fatigued all the time. This happens because the kidneys start to function less efficiently now.
When the kidneys are not working correctly, toxins start to build up in the body and interfere with healthy cell function. This leads to extreme fatigue and lack of energy in the body.
2. Trouble Concentrating
Sometimes, when the kidneys are not functioning correctly, cognitive functions like concentration and memory may decrease. A decrease in these functions can lead to impaired decision-making capability and cause problems in daily life.
3. Swelling
When the kidneys do not filter correctly, fluid can start to build up in several parts of the body, such as the feet, ankles, legs, and hands, making them swell.
The medical term for swelling like this is edema, and it can be a symptom of several kidney problems.
4. Dry and Itchy Skin
Healthy kidneys help in filtering waste products from the blood. When the kidneys start to malfunction, toxins build up in the body leading to dryness and itchiness in the skin.
5. High Blood Pressure
The kidneys play an essential role in maintaining healthy blood pressure. When the kidneys start to lose their ability to filter waste products and excess fluids, it can lead to high blood pressure.
6. Nausea and Vomiting
When the kidneys start to fail, it can lead to nausea and vomiting. This happens when there is a build-up of toxins in the body, which can cause digestion problems.
7. Shortness of Breath
One of the main functions of the kidneys is to maintain acid-base balance in the body. When the kidneys start to malfunction, there can be an excess of acid in the body, and this can lead to shortness of breath.
8. Increased Urination
The kidneys help to regulate fluid levels in the body. When the kidneys start to fail, it can lead to an imbalance in fluid levels, which can cause an increase in urination frequency. Urine may also be foamy or bubbly.
9. Abdominal Pain and Cramping
Impairment of the kidneys can cause uremia or build-up of waste products in the body. When this happens, it can cause cramping and abdominal pain in some people.
10. Blood in Urine
One of the most common symptoms of kidney problems is blood in the urine, also known as hematuria. It occurs when the kidneys start to leak blood into the urine stream.