12 Kidney symptoms you should not ignore

Most people are not aware of the fact that
kidney diseases can be silent killers. They may
not show any symptoms for a long time till the
situation becomes critical. It is important to
recognize the symptoms of kidney diseases to
catch them early. Here iSourcelist of twelve such
symptoms you should look out for:
Changes in your urinary function : The first
symptom of kidney disease is changes the
amount, frequency of your urination. There
may be an increase or decrease in amount and/
or its frequency, especially at night. It may also
look more dark colored. You may feel the urge
to urinate but are unable to do so when you get
to the restroom.
Difficulty or pain during voiding : Sometimes
you have difficulty or feel pressure or pain
while voiding. Urinary tract infections may
cause symptoms such as pain or burning during
urination. When these infections spread to the
kidneys they may cause fever and pain in your
back.
Blood in the urine : This is a symptom of
kidney disease which is a definite cause for
concern. There may be other reasons, but it is
advisable to visit your doctor in case you notice
it.
Swelling : Kidneys remove wastes and extra
fluid from the body. When they are unable to do
so, this extra fluid will build up causing swelling
in your hands, feet, ankles and/or your face.
Extreme fatigue and generalized weakness :
Your kidneys produce a hormone called
erythropoietin which helps make red blood cells
that carry oxygen. In kidney disease lower
levels of erythropoietin causes decreased red
blood cells in your body resulting in anemia.
There is decreased oxygen delivery to cells
causing generalized weakness and extreme
fatigue.
Dizziness & Inability to concentrate : Anemia
associated with kidney disease also depletes
your brain of oxygen which may cause
dizziness, trouble with concentration, etc.
Feeling cold all the time : If you have kidney
disease you may feel cold even when in a warm
surrounding due to anemia.
Pyelonephritis (kidney infection) may cause
fever with chills.
Skin rashes and itching : Kidney failure causes
waste build-up in your blood. This can causes
severe itching and skin rashes.
Ammonia breath and metallic taste : Kidney
failure increases level of urea in the blood
(uraemia). This urea is broken down to
ammonia in the saliva causing urine-like bad
breath called ammonia breath. It is also usually
associated with an unpleasant metallic taste
(dysgeusia) in the mouth.
Nausea and vomiting : The build-up of waste
products in your blood in kidney disease can
also cause nausea and vomiting.
Shortness of breath : Kidney disease causes
fluid to build up in the lungs. And also, anemia,
a common side-effect of kidney disease, starves
your body of oxygen. You may have trouble
catching your breath due to these factors.
Pain in the back or sides : Some cases of
kidney disease may cause pain. You may feel a
severe cramping pain that spreads from the
lower back into the groin if there is a kidney
stone in the ureter. Pain may also be related to
polycystic kidney disease, an inherited kidney
disorder, which causes many fluid-filled cysts in
the kidneys. Interstitial cystitis, a chronic
inflammation of the bladder wall, causes
chronic pain and discomfort.
It is important to identify kidney disease early
because in most cases the damage in the kidneys
can’t be undone. To reduce your chances of
getting severe kidney problems, see your doctor
when you observe one or more of the above
symptoms. If caught early, kidney disease can
be treated very effectively.more here