What are the Signs of Kidney Damage?

Kidney Damage Symptoms: Early Warning Signs and Causes

Kidneys are the vital organs that take care of the body’s waste management. They help remove toxins and excessive bodily fluids that, if accumulated, can pose the risk of life-threatening diseases. If kidney function declines significantly and remains untreated, it can lead to serious complications and may become life‑threatening. However, many people with CKD live long lives with proper medical care.  

While diagnostic tests can reveal the exact percentage of kidney damage, there are certain warning signs to look for that indicate the onset of kidney disease. This guide briefly outlines the warning signs and causes of kidney damage so that patients can opt for timely medical care and improve treatment outcomes.   

Keep reading to learn more!  

What are the Warning Signs of Kidney Damage?  

Kidney disease progresses slowly, often showing no serious signs or symptoms. Depending on the severity of the condition, there are various warning signs to watch for:  

Low Energy or Difficulty in Focusing  

Inefficiency of kidney function can lead to the accumulation of toxic substances and fluids in the body. It can cause fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating. In some cases, it also leads to anaemia.  

Sleeping Disorders  

The accumulation of impurities and fluids in the body can lead to difficulty falling asleep. Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, are more common in people with advanced CKD, although the relationship is multifactorial and not fully causal.  

Dry and Itchy skin 

Apart from waste management, kidneys perform some vital functions like forming red blood cells, maintaining bone strength, and regulating electrolyte balance. Kidney failure results in an imbalance of nutrients and minerals, which leads to dry and itchy skin. The buildup of toxins can also cause various skin diseases and rashes.  

Frequent Urination 

Kidney damage is marked by a frequent urge to urinate, specifically at night. However, it can also be a sign of a urinary infection or enlargement of the prostate.  

Foamy or Bubbly Urine  

An excess of bubbles or foam in the urine indicates the presence of protein. It resembles the foam formed while whisking egg whites, as it contains the protein found in urine (albumin). This kind of urine requires flushing several times before it goes away, indicating kidney damage that can’t process proteins. Persistent foamy urine may indicate proteinuria and should be evaluated with a urine test, although transient foam can also occur due to dehydration or urine flow speed. 

Blood Patches in Urine 

Kidneys, while filtering out impurities such as urine from the bloodstream, maintain the blood cells in the body. If the kidney filters are damaged, then these blood cells can leak into the urine. However, it can also indicate the presence of kidney stones, a tumour, or an infection.  

Swelling around Ankles and Feet  

A decline in kidney function will lead to sodium retention in the body. It causes swelling around the ankles, legs, and feet. However, swelling in the lower extremities can indicate a risk of heart disease, liver disease, and chronic leg vein disorders.  

Reduced Appetite  

Kidney damage leads to the buildup of toxic wastes and excess fluids in the body, which makes you feel full. Hence, there is a loss of appetite.  

Muscle Cramps  

Due to kidney failure, the body will have an imbalance of essential electrolytes and minerals. Low calcium levels and poor management of phosphorus and protein can cause muscle weakness and cramps.   

Puffy Eyes  

Protein is essential for the body. Damaged kidneys cannot properly filter waste, leading to the loss of vital nutrients, such as protein, from the body. It results in puffy eyes and poor skin health.  

What is Stage 5 Kidney Disease? 

Stage 5 kidney disease, also known as end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), refers to chronic kidney failure. In this condition, individuals are diagnosed with an eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) below 15 for 3 consecutive months. Your kidneys lose their ability to filter toxins and cannot perform their normal work during this condition. 

Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor and begin the necessary treatment procedures if you are suffering from stage 5 CKD. Read ahead to learn more about stage 5 kidney disease, including how to identify it and its treatment options. 

How to Identify if You Have Stage 5 CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease)? 

Knowing the symptoms of chronic kidney disease will help you identify if you are facing such issues. The common symptoms include: 

• Fatigue 
• Less urination than usual 
• Swelling of hands, arms, feet, or legs 
• Cramps in the muscles 
• Headaches 
• Nausea 
• Pain in the lower back 
• Loss of appetite 
• Changes in skin colour 
• Breathing issues, etc. 

What are the Causes of Kidney Damage?  

Chronic kidney disease can develop due to various conditions and disorders that put a strain on the kidneys. They include:  

• High blood sugar levels or diabetes  
• High blood pressure or hypertension  
• Inflammation in the filtering units (glomeruli) of the kidneys, known as glomerulonephritis  
• Inflammation of the tubules and the surrounding structures of the kidneys, known as interstitial nephritis 
• Any inherited kidney diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease  
• Obstructions in the urinary tract due to conditions such as enlargement of the prostate, formation of kidney stones, or any cancer  
• Vesicoureteral reflux, a rare disorder that causes backflow of urine into the kidneys  
• Any repetitive kidney infections, such as pyelonephritis  

Chronic kidney damage has no cure and leads to a host of life-threatening consequences. By adopting good lifestyle habits, proper nutrition, and avoiding harmful substances like smoking and alcohol, you can significantly reduce the risk of kidney damage.  

Complications of Kidney Damage? 

Chronic kidney disease can affect almost every part of your body. Common complications include: 

• Anemia 
• Weak bones and bone fractures 
• Decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction or reduced fertility 
• Central nervous system damage 
• Fluid retention 
• Weakened immune response 
• Heart disease 
• Uremia 
• Metabolic Acidosis 
• Hyperkalemia 
• Kidney (Renal) Failure 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. Seek timely advice from a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, and management of kidney-related conditions or any other health concerns.