Early Signs of Chronic Kidney Disease You Should Never Ignore

The kidneys go through the essential roles in the background that are necessary for life, such as cleaning up the body toxins, maintaining fluid balance, and helping with blood pressure control. An organ failure is usually accompanied by very subtle symptoms and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition that gets worse slowly, and a large percentage of people find it only at the late stages. At that stage, the injury to the kidneys is difficult to reverse, making it important to recognize the early signs for getting the right medical care on time.  This article delves into the early symptoms of CKD, making it a point to consult the best urologist in Hisar at Sarvesh Health City for better kidney health.

12 Early Signs of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is a progressive chronic condition, where the kidneys’ functions are reduced gradually till finally, they can’t work normally. Since CKD comes with no symptoms for a long time, knowing the first signs of the disease is the only way to stop it from playing havoc.

1. Continuous Exhaustion and Lack of Focus 

The kidneys are responsible for creating erythropoietin (EPO, a hormone) for red blood cell production. Impaired renal function drops the level of EPO, which consequently leads to anemia, leading to lack of energy, poor concentration, dizziness, and headaches. If you find that your normal routine turns out to be energy-draining all of a sudden, even though you have had proper rest, it might be a sign of the kidneys working below their capacity.

2. Pain in the Lower Back or Flank Region

In many cases, muscle pain gets better with stretching, however, kidney-associated pain is of a deeper nature, continues for some time, and is limited to the lower back or sides. It can be such a pain as:

• Kidney stones radiating sharp pain to the abdomen.
• Kidney infections, usually accompanied by fever and changes in urination.
• Polycystic kidney disease leading to cysts getting larger.

Dragging or stabbing flank pain should never be ignored as it can be kidney impairment beneath the surface.

3. Persistent Dry and Itchy Skin

Kidneys are responsible for controlling mineral balance in the body and if the mineral balance goes off, the blood will carry toxins causing skin issues. Some of the symptoms of skin issues are:

• Persistent dryness that creams do not alleviate.
• Severe itching causing sleep disruption at night
• Red spots or rashes due to the waste accumulated in the body 

The irritation is usually a sign that the kidneys are seriously affected due to mineral and bone disease.

4. Changes in Urination Patterns

Urination is closely connected with the health of kidneys. Symptoms to watch for are:

• Frequent urination, especially during night (nocturia).
• Reduction in the amount of urine even though the body is properly hydrated.
• Sharp or burning sensation during urination 
• Urine with foam or abnormal color.

5. Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)

Once the filters in the kidney are broken, blood cells might pass through the urine that is why it is usually pink, red, or cola-colored. Although blood in the urine may indicate the presence of kidney stones or tumors besides the kidney, it is always a warning sign at the medical level that an urgent examination is necessary. 

6. Foamy or Bubbly Urine

When foam in urine that continues even after flushing is considered, it is usually a sign of the protein leak. As a result, foamy urine may be an early sign of chronic kidney disease (CKD) because the healthy kidneys are the ones that stop the protein loss. The bubbles may look like the ones formed when eggs are being vigorously mixed. 

7. Puffiness Around the Eyes

If there is fluid retention in the area of the eyes, shortly after a night’s sleep, and this happens on a regular basis, this may be a sign that protein is leaking. When protein, which is necessary to keep the liquid balance in the body, has leaked from the blood into the urine, swelling or eye bags will be visible, which are the signs of the kidney’s malfunctioning. 

8. Swelling in Lower Limbs and Ankles

When the kidneys are unable to get rid of the extra sodium and water, fluid retention takes place. This leads to visible swelling of the feet, ankles, and occasionally the hands. One may also experience that shoes fitting previously are now too tight. Even if there are symptoms like cardio-vascular disorders that might cause edema, the condition of the kidneys ought to be taken into account.

9. Shortness of Breath

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has the potential to impair breathing function in two different manners:  The air passage gets narrowed down due to fluid retention in the lungs. A decrease in oxygen-carrying capacity as a result of anemia leads to oxygen delivery to the body. One may experience breathlessness after even a small amount of exertion, and ongoing shortness of breath should always be taken seriously. 

10. Frequent Muscle Cramps

Kidneys manage electrolytes such as calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. When the levels of these substances become imbalanced, muscles react with abrupt cramps, which are usually at night. These cramps are intense, repetitive, and could be a sign of deteriorating renal function. 

11. Metallic Taste in the Mouth and Bad Breath

Due to toxin accumulation in the bloodstream (uremia), taste and smell are affected. Those impacted usually mention a metallic taste in the mouth, continuous unpleasant breath, or an aversion to meat and other protein-rich foods. These symptoms if not treated properly can lead to the loss of body weight and malnutrition.

12. Nausea, Vomiting, and Digestive Issues

The digestive system will show its dissatisfaction by nausea, vomiting, or reduced appetite as the waste products continue to accumulate. Such symptoms may look unrelated, still, they indicate that the time for medical examinations

Final Thoughts

Chronic Kidney Disease can be a silent killer that may gradually deteriorate a person’s kidney health without being noticed. However, its warning signs, fatigue, swelling, changes in urination, or unusual pain, should never be overlooked. People with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease should have a full check-up periodically with the best urologist in Hisar to get the treatment and preserve their kidney function. 

FAQs

Q1. What are the earliest signs of chronic kidney disease?

Ans. Unexplained tiredness, swelling at the ankle or around the eyes, dull pain in the loins, and changes in the frequency or volume of urination are the first manifestations.

Q2. Is CKD curable?

Ans. Chronic kidney disease cannot be reversed; however, it is recommended that treatment be given in the early stage with lifestyle changes to slow down the progression of the disease.

Q3. Who should get tested for kidney function regularly?

Ans. Persons suffering from diabetes, hypertension, over 60 years of age, or having a family history of kidney disease should do this test every year.

Q4. What lifestyle changes support kidney health?

Ans. Kidney health is protected by eating less salt and processed foods, staying hydrated, regularly exercising, and effectively controlling blood sugar and blood pressure.