10 early warning signs of kidney problems you should not ignore

Kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste, regulating fluid balance, and maintaining electrolytes in our body. When they fail to function properly, it can lead to serious health issues. Recognising the early warning signs of kidney problems can help prevent further damage. Here are 10 key symptoms that may indicate your kidneys are not working as they should.

1. Constant fatigue: Fatigue is one of the most common early signs of kidney problems. When kidneys are not filtering waste properly, toxins build up in your body, leading to tiredness. Kidney dysfunction also reduces erythropoietin production, which causes anaemia, leaving you feeling weak and unable to concentrate.

2. Poor sleep: Kidney disease is often linked to sleep apnoea, a condition where breathing stops during sleep. Sleep apnoea can worsen kidney function by reducing oxygen levels. On the other hand, kidney disease can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties and disturbing sleep.

3. Itchy skin: When kidneys cannot remove waste from the blood, it can cause toxins to build up and lead to itchy, dry skin. This can also lead to rashes and other skin problems due to imbalances in minerals and nutrients.

4. Swelling in the feet, legs, or face: Kidney dysfunction can cause fluid retention, leading to swelling, especially in the feet, ankles, legs, and face. Puffy eyes are a common sign that the kidneys are struggling to remove excess fluids from the body.

5. Muscle cramps: Electrolyte imbalances caused by kidney problems can lead to muscle cramps. Your kidneys regulate important minerals like potassium and calcium, and an imbalance in these can affect how your muscles function, causing cramps and discomfort.

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6. Shortness of breath: Kidney disease can cause anaemia, leading to low oxygen levels in the blood and feelings of breathlessness. Fluid buildup in the lungs can also make breathing more difficult, especially when lying down.

7. Brain fog: Toxin buildup due to kidney dysfunction can affect brain function. This can lead to confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, or dizziness—symptoms often described as "brain fog".

8. Loss of appetite: Kidney issues can cause nausea and upset your stomach, leading to a reduced appetite. Over time, this can result in weight loss. If you notice you are eating less or feeling nauseous often, it could be related to kidney problems.

9. Foul-smelling breath: When kidneys cannot filter out toxins, it can cause a condition called uremia, which leads to foul-smelling, ammonia-like breath. This occurs because waste products accumulate in the bloodstream, affecting your mouth and taste buds.

10. Changes in urine: Foamy, brown, or bloody urine could be a sign of kidney dysfunction. Foamy urine may indicate protein leakage, while brown or pale urine can point to waste buildup. Blood in the urine can be caused by infections, kidney stones, or other kidney-related issues.

Recognising these early warning signs of kidney problems is critical for timely treatment and prevention of further damage. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice immediately. Early intervention can help protect your kidneys and improve your overall health. Never ignore these signs—your kidneys are essential to your well-being.

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