Kidneys are among the most vital organs in your body, responsible for numerous functions that help keep you healthy. They filter waste products from your blood, regulate blood pressure, and balance fluids in your body, among others.

However, like any other body part, your kidneys may develop problems that interfere with their functions, leading to kidney dysfunction or disease.

Some kidney problems can develop slowly and cause subtle symptoms, while others can arise suddenly and cause severe symptoms.

Regardless of the cause and type of kidney disease, it’s crucial to detect and manage the symptoms early enough to prevent further damage and complications.

In this video, we explore ten symptoms of kidney dysfunction that you should look out for.

Remember that these signs can indicate other health problems, but if you experience them together, or they persist, you should consult your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

1. Swelling in the Feet, Ankles, and Legs

If your kidneys fail to remove excess fluid from your body, it can accumulate in the tissues, leading to swelling, or edema. Often, edema first appears in the lower extremities, such as your feet, ankles, and legs, and can worsen as the day wears on.

Swollen kidneys or urinary blockage can also cause edema, so make sure to speak with your doctor if you notice swelling.

2. Fatigue and Weakness

Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, which stimulates your bone marrow to make red blood cells that carry oxygen to your organs and tissues.

If your kidneys are damaged, you may develop anemia, a condition that causes fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Anemia can also occur if you lose blood, have an iron or vitamin deficiency, or take medication that affects blood cells.

3. Urinary Changes

Changes in your urinary habits and appearance can also signal kidney problems. For instance, if your urine is foamy, you may have excessive protein in your urine, a condition known as proteinuria.

If your urine is dark and smells foul, you may have an infection. If you have the urge to urinate more often than usual, have difficulty urinating, or experience pain and burning while urinating, you could have a urinary tract infection or urethritis.

4. High Blood Pressure

Healthy kidneys help regulate blood pressure by balancing fluids and sodium levels in your body. If your kidneys fail, they may produce an excess of renin, a hormone that increases blood pressure.

As a result, high blood pressure or hypertension is one of the leading causes of kidney disease. Moreover, high blood pressure can damage your kidneys further, forming a vicious cycle.

5. Skin Rashes and Itching

If your kidneys cannot eliminate waste and excess fluid from your body, they can accumulate in the bloodstream and lead to itching, dry skin, and skin rashes. The itching can be mild or severe, and it can worsen at night.

Often, the skin rashes develop in your face, arms, and upper body, and they can be bumpy or scaly.

6. Nausea and Vomiting

As waste products and fluids build up in your bloodstream, they can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and metallic taste in your mouth. You may also experience fatigue, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.

These symptoms can occur suddenly or gradually and can be severe enough to interfere with your daily activities.

7. Shortness of Breath

Healthy kidneys remove excess fluid from your lungs, enabling you to breathe comfortably. However, if your kidneys are damaged, fluid can accumulate in your lungs, causing shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.

8. Dizziness and Trouble Concentrating

Kidneys that fail to filter toxins from your blood can cause a buildup of waste products, including urea and creatinine, that can harm your brain cells.

The accumulation of these toxins can lead to dizziness, trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, and confusion. You may also experience a loss of coordination, slurred speech, and seizures.

9. Leg and Joint Pain

High levels of uric acid in your bloodstream, a condition known as hyperuricemia, can cause gout, a type of arthritis that causes inflammation and pain in your joints.

Gout can develop if your kidneys cannot eliminate uric acid, leading to crystal buildup in the joints. Moreover, if your kidneys are damaged, they can produce less vitamin D, which is essential for the absorption of calcium and bone health. Thus, you may develop weak bones, osteoporosis, and joint pain.

10. Chest Pain and Fluid in the Lungs

Fluid buildup around your heart, known as pericarditis, can cause chest pain, palpitations, and shortness of breath.

Moreover, if your kidneys cannot remove excess fluid from your lungs, it can accumulate around your heart’s lining, leading to pericarditis, or around your lungs, causing pleural effusion. These conditions can cause chest pain, cough, and difficulty breathing.

Conclusion.

If you experience any of these symptoms, or they persist, you should seek medical attention from your healthcare provider.

Early diagnosis and treatment of kidney dysfunction can prevent further damage, slow down the progression of the disease, and improve your quality of life.