According to the US National Kidney Foundation (NKF), many people with kidney disease do not have obvious symptoms in the early stages. Some cases have mild symptoms but are easily overlooked. Early detection can help slow down or prevent the disease from progressing.
People with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity or relatives with kidney disease should proactively check their health. Two commonly recommended tests are eGFR (assessment of kidney filtration function) and uACR (test for protein in urine).
Below are 10 common signs in people with kidney disease, especially when the disease has progressed:
1.Puffy urine Puffy urine can be a sign of protein leakage due to poor kidney filtration.
This is one of the early signs of kidney disease.
2.Blood in urine Red or dark urine can be caused by blood.
To know the cause clearly, people need to see a doctor.
3.Urinating more than usual Urinating more than usual, especially at night, may indicate that the kidneys are having problems with retaining water and filtering waste.
4.Swelling in the legs and ankles Poor kidney function causes the body to retain water and salt, causing edema in the legs, feet or ankles.
5.Prolonged fatigue When the kidneys decline, waste accumulates, which can cause anemia, causing the body to be tired and lack energy.
6.Difficulty sleeping Toxins accumulated in the blood can affect sleep.
7.Swelling around the eyes. Swelling around the eyes may be a sign that the body is losing protein through urine.
8.Loss of appetite Accumulated waste can change taste, causing nausea or loss of appetite.
9.Dry, itchy skin Mineral disorders in the body due to poor kidney function can cause dry and itchy skin.
10.Muscle cramps Electrolyte imbalances such as calcium and potassium can cause muscle spasms, especially in the legs.
NKF emphasizes that the appearance of one or several of the above symptoms does not necessarily mean kidney disease. However, people should not be subjective and should see a doctor when there are abnormal signs.
Experts recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle, controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, and regular health check-ups to protect kidney function.
