Kidney disease ranks as the ninth leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 31 million Americans (10% of the adult population) suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Why Are Kidneys So Important?
Our kidneys are constantly active, fulfilling many vital functions. About the size of a large fist, their main role is to filter and recycle blood, processing 200 quarts every 24 hours.
Here are some of their other essential functions:
- Eliminate waste products from the body
- Expel drugs from the body
- Regulate the body's fluid balance
- Produce hormones that manage blood pressure
- Generate an active form of vitamin D for strong, healthy bones
- Regulate red blood cell production
They also maintain the body's mineral balance by regulating levels of acid, potassium, and salt. Other organs, such as the liver, depend on them to create and distribute crucial hormones.
Kidney Disorders
Many medical conditions affecting the kidneys attack the organ's structures, including the renal artery and veins (which carry blood to and from the kidneys), its tissues, and the ureter, responsible for transferring urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Below, we will explore ten potential signs indicating your kidneys may not be functioning properly. If you recognize one or more of these symptoms, please consider consulting a healthcare professional.
10 SIGNS YOUR KIDNEYS MIGHT BE DAMAGED
1. Blood in the Urine
When the kidneys' filtering systems are compromised, blood cells can leak into the urine. This is a serious symptom that could signal an infection, kidney stones, or tumors.
2. Abdominal Pain
Since the kidneys are located at the back of the abdominal cavity, close to other digestive organs, distinguishing kidney pain from general abdominal pain can be difficult. Kidney pain typically localizes to the flanks and back.
3. Urine Irregularities
Kidney issues can cause frequent or infrequent urination. Oliguria refers to producing less than 16 ounces of urine daily, while polyuria is the excretion of more than 100 ounces per day. Any sudden change in urination frequency, without changes in fluid intake, should be a concern.
4. Nausea or Vomiting
Uremia, or uremic syndrome, occurs when waste products accumulate in the body due to the kidneys' failure to eliminate them, leading to vomiting as a way to expel these toxins. Since vomiting can be caused by many factors, it's wise to monitor the condition for a few days before seeking medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
5. Swelling or Shortness of Breath
Leg swelling occurs when the body cannot produce sufficient urine. Shortness of breath may result from fluctuations in blood pH levels, overburdening the respiratory system. Any condition that impairs the respiratory system is extremely serious and should be treated as a medical emergency.
6. RASHES OR ITCHING
An accumulation of uric acid and waste products can cause itchy red patches on the skin. Since the underlying cause is beneath the skin's surface, over-the-counter medications are often ineffective. Persistent skin issues should prompt a consultation with a family doctor or dermatologist.
7. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Kidneys also regulate blood pressure. When malfunctioning, they fail to manage high blood pressure, leading to a rapid blood flow that stretches and potentially scars the blood vessels, causing further kidney damage.
8. CHANGES IN URINE COLOR
A well-hydrated individual typically has pale yellow urine. The clearer the urine, the more hydrated one is. Conversely, dehydration can result in dark yellow urine. Urine that is brown, black, orange, pink, or red is abnormal and warrants medical evaluation. Red or pink urine, often caused by blood (hematuria), is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
9. URINE ODOR
Typically, urine has a musky scent, akin to ammonia. However, its odor can vary greatly, influenced by diet, activity level, and the surrounding temperature. A malfunctioning kidney may emit a fishy or sweet odor, which could signal an underlying condition like diabetes or liver disease. Certain supplements might also cause this distinct smell.
10. MISCELLANEOUS SYMPTOMS
The kidney, like other essential organs, may manifest a range of symptoms that appear unrelated. Medical professionals have noted symptoms such as confusion, headaches, fatigue, muscle cramps, seizures, and skin discoloration upon diagnosing kidney conditions.
Kidney Health
According to kidney.org, the following are key practices for supporting and sustaining kidney health:
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- If necessary, aim to lose weight.
- Consume less fat.
- Manage your blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood fats.
- Quit smoking.
- Minimize stress.
Groups at higher risk for chronic kidney disease, as identified by kidney.org, include:
- Older adults.
- Individuals with diabetes.
- People with high blood pressure (hypertension).
- Those with a family history of chronic kidney disease.
- People of African American, Hispanic American, Asian, Pacific Islander, or American Indian descent.
Many of these conditions are treatable. According to kidneyfund.org, diabetes and high blood pressure rank as the first and second leading causes of kidney failure. It is crucial to prevent, treat, and monitor these conditions.
Source: www.powerofpositivity.com
