Every part of the body has a pivotal role to play, ceasing to which a lot of health issues arise. One such ailment that arises due to the malfunctioning of the kidneys is known as kidney disease. Kidney disease has a detrimental impact on the body’s ability to clean the blood, to filter extra water out of the blood, and to control the blood pressure. In a nutshell, kidney disease affects the kidneys in a manner that they cannot perform their basic functions.
Kidney disease or chronic kidney disease as it is commonly known as is a condition that is commonly associated with the process of aging and can get worse with time if it is not attended to immediately. If one is aware of the various symptoms of kidney disease, it is easier to seek timely medical attention.
Some of the major symptoms of kidney disease are as follows:
Chronic fatigue
One of the major symptoms of kidney disease is chronic fatigue. The individual might feel tired all the time, without performing any major tasks. The kidneys make a protein called erythropoietin (EPO), which instructs the body to make more oxygen-carrying red blood cells. So, when the kidneys start failing, they make lesser EPO. As the number of red blood cells declines, the supply of oxygen also declines, which is why the muscles and brain tire quickly. This condition is called anemia and it is treatable.
Feeling unusually cold
People suffering from kidney disease suffer from anemia as well. One of the major effects of anemia is that the person starts feeling cold all the time, even if they are in a warm room. So, another warning sign of a failing kidney is feeling unusually cold even when everyone else feels warm.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath can occur due to two kidney-related issues. First, when the extra fluid builds up in the body due to the malfunctioning kidney, it can build up in the lungs as well, making it difficult for the person to breathe. Second, anemia can leave the body oxygen-starved and this results in shortness of breath.
Trouble thinking clearly
The lack of oxygen to the brain can affect an individual’s ability to think clearly. The oxygen-deprived brain cannot access the memories very efficiently and the individual might even develop trouble concentrating on given tasks.
Feeling weak, dizzy, or faint
Some of the major symptoms of chronic kidney disease include feeling weak, dizzy, or faint frequently. This occurs due to the anemia which is caused by the deteriorating kidneys. As the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, the person can start feeling week, dizzy, or faint.
Feeling itchy
One of the major functions of the kidneys is to filter the wastes from the bloodstream. However, a malfunctioning kidney cannot perform this task so well, and the wastes remain in the bloodstream. In kidney disease, when the kidneys start failing, these waste materials start building up in the blood and cause severe itching.
Swelling in hands, feet, or face
It is common knowledge that kidney disease affects the kidneys’ ability to function. As the kidneys do not function to their optimum, they fail to remove the extra fluid accumulated in the body. The fluid keeps accumulating and causes swelling in the hands, legs, ankles, and even the face.
