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Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), is a progressive medical condition characterized by the gradual deterioration of kidney function over time. The kidneys are vital in filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood, maintaining the body's electrolyte balance, and regulating blood pressure.
As CKD progresses, various symptoms can emerge, reflecting the kidney's inability to perform its essential functions. Recognizing and understanding these common symptoms is crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and management of CKD.
13 Most Common Symptoms of CKD
Kidney disease symptoms can vary widely and may not become apparent until the disease is in its advanced stages. Here are common warning signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease to watch out for.
1. Fatigue
Fatigue can affect people in different ways, but most commonly, it is categorized by:
- Feeling tired most days
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling anxious, sad, or low
- Losing interest in things you usually enjoy
When the kidneys are not working well, toxins can build up in the blood, which will make you feel tired and weak. It can also result from anemia, a condition where the kidneys do not produce enough red blood cells, leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood. Individuals living with kidney disease often feel tired and lack energy, even after getting adequate rest. Managing anemia can help improve energy levels.
2. Swelling
Swelling, medically known as edema, typically occurs in the legs, ankles, and around the eyes. This is due to the kidneys' inability to regulate fluid balance. When excess fluid accumulates in the body, it causes swelling in these areas. It can make everyday activities difficult, and can lead to shortness of breath, chest pain, and stiffness.
3. Changes in Urination
Kidneys make urine, so changes in urination patterns are somewhat easy to notice early on. When the kidney’s filters are damaged, it can cause an increase or decrease in the urge to urinate. Some experience an increase in urination frequency, especially during the night. In other cases, CKD can lead to reduced urine output, which may indicate a severe decline in kidney function.
Indications of Serious Issues in Urine
Foamy or bubbly urine: This can be a sign of proteinuria, where excess protein is excreted in the urine due to damaged kidney filters.
Hematuria, or the presence of blood in the urine: This can result from kidney damage or other urinary tract issues.
If you experience either of these urine issues, consult with your doctor.
4. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension, is both a cause and a consequence of chronic kidney disease. Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the vessel walls as your heart pumps. The kidneys themselves, when healthy, filter about a half cup of blood every minute. They remove waste and extra water to make urine. When blood pressure rises, blood vessels are constricted and narrowed, which damages them throughout the body and reduces blood flow. If the blood vessels in the kidney are damaged, they may no longer work properly. As the kidneys struggle to filter blood properly, blood pressure often rises, which, in turn, exacerbates kidney damage. This creates a dangerous cycle, which can eventually lead to kidney failure.
5. Itchy Skin
Also known as pruritis, CKD can lead to the buildup of waste products and toxins in the blood, causing the skin to become itchy and dry. Most commonly this happens in advanced cases of chronic kidney disease but can also happen early on. Itchy skin is bothersome and can interfere with daily life, so finding a way to manage this with a topical or oral medication may help alleviate itchy skin. Scratching harms the skin further, so finding the right treatment is essential.
6. Loss of Appetite
Poor appetite is a common symptom, often leading to unintended weight loss. The kidneys filter blood, and as they are damaged, the rate at which they can do this decreases. This is associated with a significant reduction in food intake, which can lead to malnutrition. Working with a dietician specializing in CKD is a great way to increase your appetite with kidney-friendly meals.
7. Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting can be common symptoms in CKD, often resulting from the buildup of toxins in the blood or imbalances in electrolytes. They can also result from certain medications, ulcers, or gall bladder disease. Feeling nauseous can significantly affect our quality of life, so it's important to explore effective ways to manage nausea and vomiting. Whether through medication or alternative methods, finding relief is highly recommended.
8. Muscle Cramps and Weakness
Muscle cramps and weakness can arise as symptoms of chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to imbalances in electrolytes such as potassium and calcium. As kidney function declines, the body's ability to regulate these electrolytes becomes compromised, leading to more severe symptoms. The buildup of metabolic waste can damage muscles and nerves, resulting in twitches, weakness, cramps, and pain. Additionally, individuals may experience a pins-and-needles sensation or loss of feeling in certain areas of the body, further highlighting the importance of maintaining proper electrolyte balance for overall health.
9. Bone Pain and Fractures
CKD can disrupt the body's mineral balance, affecting calcium and phosphorus levels. Healthy bones continuously rebuild, and certain hormones and minerals help them stay strong. If these levels are out of balance, the bones can start to weaken and become misshapen. This can lead to bone and mineral disorders, causing bone pain and increasing the risk of fractures. As kidney function declines, the body’s ability to regulate these electrolytes becomes compromised, which can indicate the progression of CKD and the need for regular bone density evaluations.
10. Cognitive Impairment
Some individuals may experience cognitive changes, such as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and confusion. The exact mechanisms underlying these cognitive impairments in CKD are not fully understood, but they can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Brain imaging has shown that there is damage done to the white matter in the prefrontal cortex. The effects of this can range in severity. Some people with CKD experience mild impairment, but dementia and issues with memory, attention, and language skills can occur. Recognizing the importance of mental health is essential in managing CKD and supporting overall well-being.
11. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath can result from low iron levels. The reduced number of red blood cells leads to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues and organs. This may also be a result of fluid in the lungs, or even anxiety.
12. Difficulty Sleeping
Sleep disturbances, including sleep disorders such as insomnia and restless leg syndrome, are common symptoms of CKD. People often have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.
Anxiety can keep you up at night, and fatigue can make it difficult to get a full night of sleep. The buildup of waste in the blood from kidney damage can make the body feel ill and uncomfortable.
13. Increased Susceptibility to Infections
Weakened immune function in CKD patients can make them more susceptible to infections. Commonly, this is because of related conditions, such as diabetes or inadequate calorie and protein intake. Access sites, either through a catheter or needle puncture, also serve as bacteria entry sites. For people on dialysis, hemodialysis, or a kidney transplant, this presents another opportunity for an infection to spread.
Finding a Path Forward
Early detection of CKD is crucial, as many of these symptoms may not become noticeable until the disease has advanced. Regular medical check-ups and staying up-to-date on vaccinations and kidney function tests can help identify CKD at an early stage. Early intervention and management can slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.
Chronic Kidney Disease is a multifaceted condition with a variety of common symptoms. Recognizing the risk factors such as hypertension and diabetes and seeking medical attention for early diagnosis and management are crucial steps in improving the life of individuals with CKD. For more information on the condition, the ability to connect with other members, and customized health content and alerts, create a free account on PatientsLikeMe today!