Detecting whether or not you may have early-stage kidney disease is difficult. Symptoms are often rare, and people can lose up to 90 per cent of kidney function without noticing any obvious signs.
The good news, however, is that the progression of kidney disease can be slowed or even stopped – if caught early enough. Some indicators of reduced kidney function include changes in your urine, such as:
- changes in the amount and number of times urine is passed
- changes in the appearance of your urine (for example, frothy or foaming urine)
- blood in your urine (called haematuria)
Other symptoms of kidney disease include:
- high blood pressure
- puffiness in your legs, ankles or around your eyes
- pain in your kidney area
- tiredness
- loss of appetite
- difficulty sleeping
- headaches
- lack of concentration
- itching
- shortness of breath
- nausea and vomiting
- bad breath and a metallic taste in your mouth
- muscle cramps
- pins and needles in your fingers or toes.
Complications of kidney disease
Your kidneys have other important functions such as maintaining strong bones, balancing minerals, and making hormones needed for red blood cell production. If you’ve had kidney disease for a long time or have later stages of kidney disease (stage 3-5), you’ll have an increased risk of:
- high blood pressure
- heart disease
- anaemia (less red blood cells)
- mineral imbalances, like high potassium or phosphate levels
- bone weakness due to changes in calcium levels and less vitamin d activation by the kidney
- hyperparathyroidism, a hormone imbalance affecting bone health
Should I be worried about kidney disease?
It’s important to note that symptoms associated with kidney disease are very general. They can be caused by other illnesses. In fact, around one in seven adults in Australia have signs associated with chronic kidney disease.
So, there’s no need to panic – please read about the risk factors such as diabetes, blood pressure, age and weight, then visit your doctor for a Kidney Health Check.
Ready to take control of your kidney health? Learn common signs and what to do next with Kidney Health 4 Life.
