Kidney Problem, a Chronic Disease: Meaning, Cause, Symptoms, Complications and Prevention

Kidneys are one of the vital organs of your body, its main function is to filter food and help eliminate waste and toxins from the blood.

It regulates your blood pressure, makes red blood cells and strengthens your bones.

Many people struggle with chronic kidney disease due to being unaware of the signs and symptoms.

Early signs of kidney disease In today's blog, we will tell you about the signs that indicate that your kidney is in trouble.



What exactly is kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney failure, is characterised by a progressive loss of kidney function. Wastes and excess fluids in your blood are filtered by your kidneys and excreted in your urine. Advanced chronic kidney disease can result in dangerously high levels of fluid, electrolytes, and wastes in your body.

You may have few signs or symptoms in the early stages of chronic kidney disease. You might not realise you have kidney disease until it is too late.

Chronic kidney disease treatment focuses on slowing the progression of kidney damage, usually by addressing the underlying cause. However, even if the cause is controlled, kidney damage may progress. Chronic kidney disease can progress to end-stage kidney failure, which is fatal without dialysis or a kidney transplant.


Causes

Chronic kidney disease occurs when a disease or condition impairs kidney function, causing kidney damage to worsen over time.

Chronic kidney disease is caused by a variety of diseases and conditions, including:

  • Diabetes type 1 or diabetes type 2
  • Blood pressure is high.
  • Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the filtering units of the kidney.
  • Interstitial nephritis is an inflammation of the tubules and surrounding structures of the kidney.
  • Other inherited kidney diseases such as polycystic kidney disease
  • Prolonged urinary tract obstruction caused by conditions such as an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, and some cancers
  • Vesicoureteral reflux is a condition in which urine backs up into the kidneys.
  • Repeated kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis


The following factors can increase your risk of chronic kidney disease:

  • Diabetes
  • Blood pressure is high.
  • Cardiovascular (heart) disease

  • Smoking 
  • Obesity

  • Being Black, Native American, or Asian American Having a kidney disease family history
  • Kidney structure abnormality Older age
  • Use of medications that can harm the kidneys on a regular basis


Symptoms: Signs of Kidney Problem

Number one: High Blood Pressure

According to recent statistics, high blood pressure is the most common reason for kidney failure. Your kidney and blood vessels are closely related. The kidneys use too many blood vessels to flush out toxins. These are closely related to your circulatory system.

High blood pressure has a very negative effect on your kidneys. High blood pressure damages blood vessels. High blood pressure reduces the efficiency of the kidneys and does not allow the blood vessels to function properly. Once the blood vessels and kidneys are damaged, the filtering of toxic food from your body stops, due to which the quality of blood decreases throughout the body and this is called kidney disease.

Number Two: Going to the Bathroom More Often

This could be a sign that something is going wrong with your kidneys. When the filters of the kidney are damaged, there is a frequent urge to urinate, especially at night.

However, sometimes frequent urination can also be a sign of infection or enlarged prostate in men. Passing urine four to ten times during the day is considered normal but anything more than that is abnormal.

Number Three: Back Pain

Persistent pain in your lower back is another major symptom of kidney trouble. Pain in your groin or hip area and sometimes the pain travels down your leg. Signs of kidney problems like these often point to stones, kidney infections, and kidney injuries. Be aware that back pain that is caused by kidney problems may also include feeling sick, vomiting, high body temperature, and

There is frequent urination. If you suddenly experience back pain without any fever and

If painkillers are ineffective, make sure you see your doctor at once.

Number Four: Swollen Ankles and Feet

Swelling of the ankles and feet is an important sign. Your kidneys' job is to balance your sodium and potassium levels. When your kidneys have trouble functioning, it tends to retain extra sodium and fluid, and most of that fluid ends up in your legs. Poor blood circulation can cause swelling in the hands, feet and ankles.

Number Five: Shortness of Breath

You may be surprised to know, but there is a connection between kidney disease and shortness of breath.

Mainly there are two factors for this, first, excess fluid in your body goes inside the lungs due to which your kidneys do not work properly.

Another anemia that can deprive your body of oxygen is shortness of breath, a result of lack of oxygen. Remember that shortness of breath can have many causes, such as asthma, cancer, or heart failure.

Number Six: Difficulty in Thinking Clearly

Difficulty in thinking clearly and lack of concentration can be a kidney problem. You feel mentally unwell. According to research, if there is a decrease in the efficiency of thinking clearly and understanding, then it causes kidney failure.

If you have confusion in thinking and understanding or concentrating, if you feel that your brain is not working fully, then you should try to consult a doctor soon.

Number Seven: Dry and Itchy Skin

The dry and itchy skin you may be experiencing may be more than just a reaction to the weather, excessive urea and blood flow can lead to severe itching that worsens your kidney health.

Research has indicated that 40% of fatal kidney diseases develop uremic/itis or chronic. Your kidneys work to maintain the right amount of minerals in your body, but when the kidneys are not able to keep the right balance of minerals, it can cause dry and itchy skin.

Number Eight: Feeling Tired

Fatigue and dizziness are common, but they can be signs of kidney problems if

You are suffering from kidney disease. A common side effect of this is a condition called anemia. The kidneys normally produce a hormone called erythropoietin or EPO that alerts

Your bone marrow needs to make new red blood cells, and if you are anemic, your supply of red blood cells will be low and your body will have less oxygen, which can make you feel tired or dizzy. There may be general symptoms.

Experiencing difficulty concentrating or difficulty standing can also be signs of anemia.

Your body is not making enough red blood cells, which may be related to your kidneys not working properly.

Other symptoms of anemia include yellowing of the body, pale skin, leg cramps and a rapid heartbeat. Kidney conditions may be discovered during extensive treatment for these diseases.

Number Nine: Feeling Cold or Hot

Conditions that may be related to why you have chills Kidney problems can also occur when you have a fever. If your kidneys are not working properly then it can lead to accumulation of wastes related to urine due to which your body temperature will be low or hypothermia can occur. You will find it difficult to tolerate cold months and it can make you cold. It can also be felt in hot conditions.

Number Ten: You Have Blood in Your Urine

Your kidneys have many functions such as preventing blood cells from leaking out while filtering waste from the blood, but when your kidneys are damaged, blood cells start to leak out, causing hematuria in the urine. If you notice your urine being red or brown in color and if you have the presence of blood in your urine, visit your doctor immediately and inform him.

However, these signs can also be of some other diseases.

Number Eleven: Metallic Taste in the Mouth and Bad Breath

If you have a metallic taste in your mouth and bad breath, it could be a sign that your kidneys are not working properly. When the kidneys do not work properly, they start filling the waste in your blood, which can also be called uremia. Slowly you start eating less food due to which you start losing weight. When the kidneys aren't on top of filtering, toxins and waste can build up and often show their signs in unexpected places, your mouth being one of them.

Believe that bad breath is a warning sign.

We have mentioned these symptoms as signs of kidney related diseases.

When should you see a doctor?

If you have signs or symptoms of kidney disease, make an appointment with your doctor. Early detection may aid in the prevention of kidney disease progressing to kidney failure.

If you have a medical condition that increases your risk of kidney disease, your doctor may use urine and blood tests during office visits to monitor your blood pressure and kidney function. Consult your doctor to see if these tests are necessary for you.


Complications

Chronic kidney disease can affect nearly every organ in the body. Among the possible complications are:

  • Fluid retention can cause arm and leg swelling, high blood pressure, and fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
  • A sudden increase in potassium levels in your blood (hyperkalemia), which can impair heart function and be fatal.
  • Anemia
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Weak bones and a higher risk of fractures
  • Reduced sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, or infertility
  • Damage to your central nervous system can result in difficulty concentrating, personality changes, or seizures.
  • Reduced immune response, making you more susceptible to infection

  • Pericarditis is an inflammation of the sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart (pericardium)
  • Complications of pregnancy pose risks to both the mother and the developing foetus.
  • End-stage kidney disease causes irreversible kidney damage, necessitating dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.


Prevention

Follow the directions on over-the-counter medications to reduce your risk of developing kidney disease. Follow the directions on the package when taking nonprescription pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others), and acetaminophen (Tylenol, and others). Taking too many pain relievers for an extended period of time may cause kidney damage.

Keep a healthy weight. Maintain your healthy weight by being physically active most days of the week. If you need to lose weight, consult your doctor about healthy weight loss strategies.

Quit smoking. Cigarette smoking can harm your kidneys and aggravate pre-existing kidney damage. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about quitting methods. Support groups, counselling, and medications can all assist you in quitting.

Manage your health issues with the assistance of your doctor. Work with your doctor to control any diseases or conditions that increase your risk of kidney disease. Inquire with your doctor about tests to detect signs of kidney damage.


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