The signs and symptoms of chronic kidney diseases (CKD) are so
subtle that they often go undiagnosed. CKD and polycystic kidney
diseases (PKD) often progress because patients do not realize that they
are getting worse. Recognizing the symptoms of kidney failure at the
onset will prevent years of problems.
Patients who experience
these symptoms should immediately see a doctor since it is only him who
can provide a diagnosis. These symptoms are also related to other
medical conditions. Additionally, ask your doctor for blood and urine
tests.
Frequent urination
Any changes in
urination in terms of frequency, amounts, appearance should be taken
seriously. The kidneys make urine to eliminate waste from the body and
changes should be checked. This may include frequent urination or
urinating in greater amounts, having foamy or bubbly urine or having
blood in it. Patients will feel strong pressure on the bladder which
makes urinating hard.
Pain in the legs, back and side
This
refers to the lingering pain in the legs, upper back and side where the
kidneys are found. PKD often produces kidney cysts on the kidneys and
liver. Pain on the affected side is often compared to labor pains that a
woman experiences during child delivery.
Ammonia breath
Bad
breath is often a sign that something in the system is not functioning
properly. Weeks or months before kidney failure patients describe having
Ammonia breath caused by the excess waste bi-product in the
bloodstream. This also affects the taste resulting to a loss in
appetite.
Nausea
Toxicity can also cause nausea and vomiting, lack of appetite and weight loss.
Swelling
Excess
fluids in the body pool in the extremities which result to swelling in
the face, legs, hands, ankles and feet. When it's really bad patients
are unable to wear their shoes or their rings.
Skin rash and acne
Acne
breakouts, rashes and severe itching are experienced when there is a
buildup of waste in the bloodstream. There is tendency for excess
toxicity to show on the skin surface.
Fatigue
Tired muscles and overall fatigue take place when kidneys fail
because of the reduced production of the erythropoietin hormone (EPO)
which commands oxygen-carrying red blood cells to energize the muscles
and brain.
Feeling cold
Reduction in EPO production leads to anemia or the decrease in red blood cells. This leaves the patient constantly feeling cold.
Shortness of Breath
CKD or PKD can also cause fluid buildup in the lungs that lead to shortness of breath. Anemia also causes the same symptom.-By
Oankar Kundan
