7 Surprising Signs Of Kidney Disease To Keep An Eye On

When we think of kidney disease, we assume that its symptoms would be too obvious and would never miss it, but did you know that more than 37 million American adults live with kidney disease, and they are not even aware of it?

Most of the symptoms don’t start showing until the very late stages. By that time, the kidneys will be already failing, which is why only 10% of people with chronic kidney disease are aware of their condition, according to Dr. Joseph Vassalotti, Chief Medical Officer at the National Kidney Foundation.

While you can’t know for sure until you get tested, here are a few possible signs that may help you be aware of what’s happening in your body, especially if you at risk due to diabetes, family history, high blood pressure, or you are over 60. 

1. Lack of focus/ less energy

Kidney disease causes a decrease in its function, which leads to a buildup of impurities and toxins in the blood. The latter is one of the main causes why people feel weak, tired, and unable to concentrate. Also, kidney disease can cause anemia, which is another reason to feel tired and weak. 

However, this can’t determine the cause because one sleepless night can also cause a lack of focus and energy, but if you have doubts, go to your care provider. 

2. Trouble sleeping

Speaking of sleepless nights, when the kidneys don’t filter properly, the toxins will stay in the blood and not leave the body with the urine. This issue can lead to difficulty falling asleep, especially that there is a link between sleep apnea and chronic kidney disease. 

Again, you can’t assume that your inability to sleep has a strong connection to your kidneys. Always kill the doubt by checking in with your doctor.

3. Dry and itchy skin

Healthy kidneys ensure to remove extra fluids and waste from the body, keep the bones strong, make red blood cells, and maintain minerals in the blood. When the skin is being oddly dry and itchy, it could signal mineral and bone disease that usually follows advanced kidney disease because the kidneys can’t keep the right balance of nutrients and minerals anymore in the blood.

4. You urinate more often

Suppose you feel like visiting the bathroom more often than usual, especially after you have just been there. In that case, there is a possibility that your kidneys’ filters are not functioning properly. The need to urinate may increase more at night. This also can be a sign of enlarged prostate in men or a urinary infection. In any case, check with your doctor! 

5. Blood in the urine

Normally, the kidneys are supposed to keep the blood cells in the body while it filters the waste from the blood to urine. If you have kidney disease, then the filters will be damaged, and those blood cells would start leaking into the urine. Also, blood urine can also indicate other things, like kidney stones, tumors, or infections.

6. Foamy urine

This means witnessing excessive bubbles in the urine. In fact, you may end up flushing several times for it to go away completely, and that indicates protein in the urine. Basically, this foam may look like the foam you see in scrambled eggs. Ironically enough, the protein found in the urine is the same one found in eggs. You should not ignore this case, try to do a test as soon as you can to ensure your safety and catch any disease early. 

7. Puffiness around the eyes.

You are sleeping well, not crying often, life is good, but your eyes seem to be a little too puffy than usual? 

This could mean your kidneys leaked too much protein in the urine due to the damaged filters. Protein is meant to remain in the body, and the fact that it exists in your urine more than anywhere else is a good enough indicator that you should check if you have kidney disease.