If you recently went for a kidney screening, you must have come across a term called 'creatinine' or may have undergone a creatinine blood test. This test is usually done to see how well your kidneys are functioning. But first things first, let us understand what creatinine is in the first place.
Creatinine is a waste product generated from the digestion of the protein and the normal wear and tear of the muscles. According to Dr Reetesh Sharma, Director and Head of Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Medicine, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, everyone has some levels of creatinine in the blood. However, too much of it can be a cause for concern.
Speaking with the team of OnlyMyHealth, he said, "Regular monitoring of creatinine levels aids in early detection and timely intervention for maintaining kidney health." In this article, we will not only explore the role of creatinine in maintaining kidney health but will also look at the symptoms of abnormal creatinine levels indicating kidney issues.
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What Is The Normal Range Of Creatinine Levels?
Dr Sharma said, “When kidneys are not able to clear waste efficiently due to damage or underlying disease, it results in an elevation of creatinine levels in the bloodstream.”
He added, “It's important to note that creatinine levels can vary based on an individual's size and muscle mass,” sharing that the standard range for creatinine levels is 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL (61.9 to 114.9 µmol/L) in men and 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL (53 to 97.2 µmol/L) in women.
According to the doctor, women generally have lower blood creatinine levels due to having less muscle mass compared to men.
Underlying Causes Of Abnormal Creatinine Levels
When creatinine levels exceed or go below the normal range required in the body, it can cause complications and affect various bodily functions.
“Higher than normal creatinine levels may be attributed to a blocked urinary tract, kidney problems, such as damage, failure, infection, or reduced blood flow, dehydration, muscle fibre breakdown, also called rhabdomyolysis, or complications during pregnancy, such as eclampsia or preeclampsia-induced high blood pressure,” said Dr Sharma.
She added, “Elevated creatinine levels due to acute kidney injury usually persist until the underlying problem is resolved. However, if the elevation is due to temporary factors like dehydration, a high-protein diet, or supplement use, rectifying these conditions often leads to decreased creatinine levels.”
On the other hand, the doctor mentioned the consequences of lower than normal creatinine levels, suggesting that it might stem from conditions affecting muscles and nerves, leading to decreased muscle mass, or from malnutrition.
According to the expert, understanding these nuances in creatinine levels is crucial in diagnosing and managing kidney-related issues, allowing for timely interventions to address underlying health concerns.
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Symptoms Associated With Kidney Dysfunction
The symptoms of high creatinine levels may vary depending on the cause of the condition. When associated with kidney damage and dysfunction, it can lead to symptoms such as:
- Fever or chills
- Pain in the back, side, or groin
- Cloudy, dark, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
- Changes in urine output
- Frequent, painful urination
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- high blood pressure
According to Dr Sharma, creatinine tests are pivotal in assessing kidney function.
“When high levels are detected, doctors often conduct additional tests like BUN tests and metabolic panels for comprehensive evaluations,” she said.
The doctor also shared that treatment approaches may vary depending on the underlying cause.
For instance, if a kidney injury causes elevated creatinine levels, the levels usually remain high until the underlying issue is resolved. Therefore, addressing dehydration, adjusting diets, or managing specific conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can help normalise creatinine levels in the body, she concluded.