Health Desk. Kidney is one of the most important organs of our body. Its function is to filter out dirt and excess water from the blood and expel it through urine. When kidney function starts decreasing, many types of changes can be seen in the body. The problem is that the symptoms of kidney disease are not clearly visible in the initial stages. In such a situation, it is very important to recognize some signs of the body in time.
1. Swelling on legs and face
If the kidneys do not function properly, excess water and salt may start accumulating in the body. Its effect can be seen in the form of swelling on feet, ankles and face. Swelling around the eyes, especially in the morning, can also be a sign.
2. Changes in urination
Changes in the amount of urine or the frequency of urination can be a sign of kidney problems. Some people have to get up repeatedly at night to urinate. At the same time, seeing foam in the urine can also be a sign of the need for testing.
3. Constant fatigue and weakness
When kidney function decreases, toxic substances can accumulate in the body. Due to this, the person may feel constant fatigue, weakness and lack of energy. In some cases, blood loss also occurs, which can increase fatigue.
4. Loss of appetite and feeling like vomiting
If the kidneys do not function properly, waste materials start accumulating in the body. This can cause problems like loss of appetite, nausea, feeling like vomiting and bad taste in the mouth.
5. Shortness of breath and trouble sleeping
As kidney disease progresses, excess fluid can accumulate in the body. In some situations, it also affects the lungs, which can cause difficulty in breathing. Apart from this, problems like itching, muscle cramps and insomnia may also occur.
When should the test be done?
If any of these symptoms appear, they should not be ignored. However, these signs do not solely confirm kidney disease and there may be other reasons behind them. To know the condition of kidneys, creatinine and eGFR can be tested in blood and albumin or protein in urine can be tested with the doctor's advice. Timely diagnosis and proper treatment can help prevent kidney disease from progressing.