Five silent signs of kidney damage and how to spot them
The kidneys are vital organs that play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. They filter waste from the blood, regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, monitor blood pressure and even help produce red blood cells.
Yet, despite their importance, early signs of kidney problems often go unnoticed or are mistaken for less serious issues.
According to the NHS, Chronic Kidney Disease is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not work as well as they should.
The NHS states: "It's a common condition often associated with getting older. It can affect anyone, but it's more common in people who are black or of south Asian origin."
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can quietly damage the body for years without obvious symptoms, but early detection and help from a doctor can halt or slow its advancement.
Persistent fatigue and weakness
When the kidneys fail to function properly, toxins build up in the blood stream, leading to low energy levels. In addition, damaged kidneys produce less erythropoietin - a hormone responsible for stimulating red blood cell creation - resulting in anaemia.
This can cause chronic tiredness, difficulty concentrating and shortness of breath even with light activity. Many dismiss these symptoms as normal tiredness or signs of aging often delaying a diagnosis.
Change in urination habits
Changes in urination patterns are often the first indication of kidney issues, yet they are rarely taking seriously. Symptoms such a frequent urination at night, foamy or bubbly urine which indicated protein loss, blood in urine or very dark urine all indicate a possible kidney problem.
Ignoring these signs can allow kidney damage to get worse.
Swelling in the feet, ankles or face
Kidneys that struggle to eliminate excess sodium and fluids can cause swelling and edema - fluid retention - particularly noticeable in the legs and around the eyes
Many attribute swelling to standing too long or poor diet, but it could be a red flag for kidney dysfunction.
Persistent itching or skin changes
Unexplained, persistent itching may be caused by the buildup of waste products and mineral imbalances due to kidney impairment. If dry, flaky skin and constant itching occur without a clear dermatological cause, a routine check up of the kidneys is advisable.
Loss of appetite, metallic taste or nausea
As kidney function declines, the accumulation of toxins can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, a metallic taste in the mouth, bad breath (uremic fetor), and loss of appetite.
These symptoms are often mistaken for digestive issues, resulting in delayed treatment.
When to seek medical advice
The NHS website recommends people to : "See a GP if you have persistent or worrying symptoms that you think could be caused by kidney disease."
Kidney function tests - including blood tests like creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urine tests for albumin - can detect problems early, helping prevent complications and improve quality of life.
While there is no cure for chronic kidney disease (CKD), treatments are available to manage symptoms and slow its progression.
The approach to treatment depends on the stage of your CKD.
As stated on the NHS website, key treatment options include:
Lifestyle changes - to help maintain your overall health
Medications - to manage related conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Dialysis - which performs some of the kidney's functions and may be needed in advanced (stage 5) CKD
Kidney transplant - another option for those with advanced (stage 5) CKD
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