Symptoms of Kidney Failure

12 symptoms of kidney failure

When your kidneys can no longer adequately filter your blood, renal failure occurs. Toxins build up in your body as a result of this. Various factors can bring on kidney failure and, if left untreated, can be fatal. Most adults with kidney disease—more than 37 million people—are unaware of their condition. 

Numerous physical symptoms of kidney disease exist, but they are sometimes mistaken for symptoms of other illnesses. Additionally, kidney disease sufferers frequently don't show any symptoms until the condition is advanced, the kidneys fail, or there is a significant amount of protein in the urine.

You can schedule an appointment with a doctor in the Global Hospital Chennai if you have the following symptoms.

• Blood in urine

When healthy kidneys filter wastes from the blood to produce urine, the blood cells are usually kept in the body. However, when the kidneys' filters are damaged, the blood cells may "leak" into the urine. Blood in the urine can indicate malignancies, kidney stones, or an infection in addition to renal disease.

• Foamy urine

Excessive bubbles in the urine, particularly those that need multiple flushes to disappear, are a sign of protein present. Due to albumin, a joint protein in both eggs and urine, this froth may resemble the foam created when scrambling eggs.

• Excessive need to urinate

Urinating more frequently, especially at night, may indicate renal disease. An increased urge to urinate may result from damage to the kidney filters. This may occasionally indicate a urinary infection or a swollen prostate in men.

• Fatigue

Due to severe renal impairment, toxins and other pollutants may accumulate in the blood. People may experience fatigue, a feeling of weakness, and difficulty concentrating as a result. Anemia, which can result in weariness and weakness, is another side effect of renal illness.

• Problematic sleep schedule

Toxins do not exit the body through the urine when the kidneys are not filtering the blood adequately. This may make it challenging to fall asleep. Additionally, there is a connection between obesity and chronic kidney disease; those with chronic kidney disease have a higher prevalence of sleep apnea than those without the condition.

• Dry and itchy skin

The functions of healthy kidneys are extensive. They help make red blood cells, keep bones healthy, remove wastes and extra fluid from your body, maintain the proper level of minerals, and aid in producing red blood cells. When the kidneys cannot maintain the proper balance of minerals and nutrients in your blood, severe renal disease can frequently be accompanied by mineral and bone illness, manifesting as dry and itchy skin.

• Puffy eyes

The presence of protein is an early indication that the kidneys' filters have been compromised and allowed the protein to escape into the urine. Your kidneys may release a lot of protein into the urine rather than storing it, which is why you may have puffiness around your eyes.

• Back pain

When you move or stretch, you can have a localized pain close to your kidneys that doesn't go away or worsens. Kidney issues may result in pain in the lower back, which contains the kidneys on either side of the spine. Back discomfort may also result from an infection or kidney blockage, which can harm the kidneys.

• Swollen feet and ankle

Your ankles and feet may swell due to salt retention brought on by diminished kidney function. Additionally, swelling in the lower limbs may be a symptom of heart illness, liver disease, or persistent leg vein issues.

• Muscle cramp

Kidney function issues can lead to electrolyte abnormalities. For instance, phosphorus levels that are out of control and low calcium levels might cause muscle cramps.

• Unusual urine test

Proteinuria, or high protein levels in the urine, is a symptom of kidney disease. Protein can re-enter circulation when the kidneys are healthy and filter out waste and moisture. Protein escapes into your urine when the kidneys aren't working correctly.

• High blood pressure

You may experience elevated blood pressure due to the extra fluid and sodium buildup brought on by kidney illness. In addition to harming renal blood vessels, high blood pressure can eventually aggravate kidney disease.

Loss of appetite

You could lose your appetite due to feeling full, being too ill or exhausted to eat, or because of a buildup of toxins brought on by decreased renal function.

How is kidney failure diagnosed?

Now that we have talked about the symptoms of kidney failure, let's talk about how a doctor can diagnose you with kidney failure. Numerous kidney function tests may be used by a medical professional to assess your kidneys and identify a renal failure. Standard testing if the doctor thinks you could have renal failure includes:

Blood tests

Blood tests can determine how effectively your kidneys remove waste from your blood. The doctor will take a tiny amount of blood from a vein in your arm using a fine needle. Your blood sample will then be examined in a lab by technicians.

Urine tests

Blood or specific compounds like protein might be detected in your urine through tests. You will urinate in a specific container at a doctor's office or a hospital. Your urine sample will then be examined in a lab by technicians.

Imaging tests

A doctor can examine your kidneys and the surrounding area using imaging techniques to look for anomalies or blockages. The imaging procedures of kidney ultrasonography, CT urogram, and MRI are frequently used.

Conclusion-

By eliminating waste and extra fluid, your kidneys play a crucial role in your body. Your kidneys no longer function as they should if you have renal failure. Without the proper care, it's lethal.

You may still be able to live a long life if you get dialysis or a kidney transplant. Additionally, taking drugs and adhering to a specific diet may be part of your treatment plan. If you have any symptoms of kidney failure, make an appointment with a doctor at Global Hospital Chennai via the Credihealth website, and make sure you attend all of your scheduled appointments.

FAQs-

What part of your kidneys can hurt?

You get kidney discomfort on each side of your spine, towards the center of your back, right under your ribs, where your kidneys are situated.

Which diseases damage the kidneys?

The most frequent causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure (CKD).

Does renal failure hurt?

Half of the dialysis patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) feel discomfort, most of whom report moderate to severe pain.

Can a malfunctioning kidney recover?

Acute renal failure is frequently reversible. Following the treatment of the underlying reason, the kidneys typically begin to function normally again within a few weeks to months. There must be dialysis until then.

How can I understand if I have kidney or back pain?

Kidney pain is less frequent than back pain. Back discomfort typically affects your muscles, develops lower in your back, and produces a constant ache. It will likely be higher, close to your ribs if it is a renal pain. You might experience waves of excruciating agony and perhaps even a fever.

How long can you endure kidney failure?

Depending on how much kidney function they still possess, how bad their symptoms are, and their overall health, people with renal failure may be able to go days or even weeks without receiving dialysis.

Can a person have renal failure without symptoms?

During the early stages of kidney failure, there are typically no symptoms. It can only be identified if you undergo a blood or urine test for another reason, and the findings indicate that your kidneys may have issues.