Our kidneys may be small organs, but they play a vital role in our body. They are responsible for filtering waste products from our blood and excreting them as urine.

Kidney disease is a serious condition that affects millions of people, and early detection is crucial for effective treatment.

1. Urinary Changes

One of the most common symptoms of kidney disease is changes in urination. You may experience:.

Difficulty urinating
Blood in urine
Foamy urine
Increased frequency of urination
Reduced frequency of urination
Urine that is dark or tea-colored

2. Swollen Feet and Ankles

Kidneys are responsible for removing excess fluids from the body. If they are not functioning properly, it can lead to fluid retention, also known as edema. One of the most common places for edema to occur is in the feet and ankles.

3. Fatigue and Weakness

Kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells. If your kidneys are not functioning properly, there may be a decrease in the production of this hormone, leading to anemia.

Anemia can cause fatigue and weakness.

4. Loss of Appetite

Kidney disease can affect the digestive system, leading to a loss of appetite. This can result in weight loss and malnutrition, which can further compromise the immune system.

5. Nausea and Vomiting

As waste products build up in the body due to kidney dysfunction, it can lead to nausea and vomiting.

6. Itchy Skin

When kidneys are unable to eliminate waste products from the body, it can accumulate in the blood. One of the symptoms of this buildup is itchy skin, which is often more severe in the evenings.

7. Muscle Cramps

Kidney disease can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes in the body, which can cause muscle cramps, particularly in the legs.

8. Shortness of Breath

Kidneys are responsible for removing excess fluids from the body, including fluids from the lungs. If there is an accumulation of fluid in the lungs, it can cause shortness of breath.

9. High Blood Pressure

Kidneys play a key role in regulating blood pressure. If they are not functioning properly, it can lead to high blood pressure, which can further damage the kidneys.

10. Mental Confusion

As waste products build up in the blood due to kidney dysfunction, it can affect brain function, leading to mental confusion, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems.