7 Warning Signs Your Kidneys Are Screaming for Help

Our kidneys may be small, but they play a major role in keeping our bodies healthy. These bean-shaped organs together constitute the human excretory system, removing waste, maintaining fluids, and controlling blood pressure, round the clock. However, kidney trouble  is often known to be silent at first and many people don't notice early warning signs until the damage is severe.

In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, Dr Kishan A, Consultant, Nephrology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, explained that paying attention to subtle changes in your body can make all the difference. “Your kidneys work quietly every day to clean waste and extra fluid from your blood. When they are in trouble, they give warning signs that many people ignore,” he explained. Read ahead to know everything he shared with us.

Warning Signs Your Kidneys Are Screaming for Help

According to Dr Kishan, here are a few warning signs that your kidneys are screaming for help:

1. Feeling Constantly Tired or Weak

Feeling tired or weak constantly is one of the major early symptoms of kidney troubles. When kidneys don’t filter waste efficiently, it causes toxins to accumulate in the blood. As a result, the person may feel drained, weak, and lacking energy, even after a full eight-hour sleep. “If tiredness has taken over your life, without a valid reason, the chances are that your kidneys are working hard,” he said.

2. Changes in Urination Patterns

Changes in the urination pattern can also be accountable for kidney health. Normally, these warning signs include nighttime urination, reduced urine produced, and changes even in its colour. Foamy urine might be a sign of protein leaking into the urine; meanwhile, very dark urine or blood visible in the urine should be considered serious and not ignored. These changes indicate that the filtering capabilities of the kidneys may not be up to the mark.

ALSO READ- Could Keto Diet Be Ruining Your Kidneys? Expert Weighs In

3. Swelling in the Body

Swelling, also known as edema is another symptom that should not be ignored. Damaged kidneys cannot remove excess fluid and this leads to fluid accumulation in the body. Dr Kishan noted that one might experience swelling in the areas of your feet, ankles, hands, or face. Additionally, puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning is also an early indication that your kidneys have lost their capacity to filter properly.

4. Persistent Lower Back Pain

Pain just under the rib cage, mostly on one side of the lower back, could signify kidney troubles such as infections or stones. This pain differs from the common muscle aches and might be accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting. Overlooking this type of pain may result in a delayed diagnosis and treatment.

5. Loss of Appetite and Digestive Issues

Another early but neglected sign is a decrease in appetite. Many individuals report that they get satisfied quickly with a small portion or have completely lost interest in eating. In addition, waste buildup may result in metallic taste in one's mouth or chronic halitosis. With the rise of toxins, nausea and vomiting might follow as signals that the kidneys are not working well.

6. Dry, Itchy Skin and Other Subtle Signs

Healthy kidneys help the body maintain the right amount of minerals and nutrients. When the kidney function is compromised, the skin might get dry and itchy. Some people also experience difficulty concentrating or feel mentally foggy due to poor blood filtration.

7. High Blood Pressure and Breathing Trouble

High blood pressure is a double-edged sword in kidney disease. Kidney impairment prevents blood pressure from being regulated properly, which often results people having very high blood pressure episodes. The same thing happens with shortness of breath, which occurs when lung fluid is excessively formed or when one becomes anemic because of damaged kidneys.

ALSO READ- Winter Warning: Is the Cold Damaging Your Kidneys? Expert Weighs In

Role of Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Kidney Health

Ignoring these signs can lead to permanent kidney damage. However, through early detection, it is possible to slow down or even halt the progression of the disease. Experts suggest drinking plenty of water, cutting down on salt, controlling insulin levels, and avoiding non-prescription analgesics, to significantly contribute to the health of the kidneys. “If you notice these symptoms, seeing a doctor early can help preserve kidney function and improve overall well-being,” Dr Kishan concluded.

Bottomline

Your kidneys may suffer in silence, but your body doesn’t. Experts suggest spotting the warning signs early can protect your kidneys and your life.