Kidney disease is a term used by doctors to include any abnormality of the kidneys, even if there is only very slight damage. It is often called ‘chronic’ kidney disease. Chronic is a medical term that means a condition that does not get completely better in a few days. A problem with the kidneys, such as an uncomplicated urine infection that gets better and leaves no damage, is not chronic kidney disease.
Recent research suggests that 1 in 10 people may have slight kidney disease. This is much more common in the elderly than in young people. In most cases, kidney disease does not cause any symptoms and is detected because tests are abnormal. These may be urine tests for blood or protein, an X-ray or scan of the kidneys or a blood test to measure kidney function. In many cases, the kidneys can continue to work for some years without deteriorating to a serious level.
As per reports from the health sector, during chronic kidney disease or failing of kidneys, there can be many pre-signs that start showing up in an easy manner. These can be observed, especially when one goes to bed at night.
From itchy skin rashes to excessive night-time urination, swelling in hands and feet, and excessive tiredness, one must take these symptoms seriously and consult a doctor/specialist to get early treatment.
Kidney diseases affect more than 10 per cent of the world’s population- near 850 million people. Most of them even do not know that they have it. While there are several visible physical signs of kidney disease; yet people ignorantly attribute these to other health conditions. It is advised to avoid unnecessary delays until the very late stages, when the kidneys are failing or there are large amounts of protein in the urine.
Some of the signs one may experience include
Excessive nighttime urination-Nocturia: Frequent and excessive nighttime urination can be a major sign of kidney damage. According to experts, it happens as damaged kidneys start showing difficulty in concentrating urine. It causes to go for more of urination, especially at night.
However, one must always consult doctor first to determine the actual cause as many other smaller factors like excessive fluid intake or urinary tract infections also have similar symptoms.
Swelling: When one lies down at night and notice unusual swelling and inflammation in hands and feet, do not take it lightly. Swollen fingers, toes, and ankles may not be painful but can be warning signs of kidney damage.
According to doctors, it may happen since kidneys play a crucial role in balancing sodium and fluids when they are not functioning well. It can lead to fluid accumulation in the body. It causes unusual swelling and discomfort, which should not be ignored.
Rashes: When kidneys are not able to remove waste from the body, a rash develops, which can be itchy and painful. Doctors say rashes also occur in those who have end-stage kidney disease, leading to small, dome-shaped, and extremely itchy bumps. As these got clear, new ones begin to form.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, those who have end-stage kidney disease develop blisters, which can form on their Hands, Face, Feet. The blisters open up, dry up, and crust over. As they get clear, scars appear.
Ammonia breath: Even when one brushes at night, even can feel ammonia breath and a metallic taste in the mouth. It is time to see a doctor.
According to experts, when waste builds up in the blood, this condition is known as UREMIA. It makes food taste different and causes bad breath. Doctors say if it continues, the condition can make favorite foods difficult to eat.
Fatigue: When one finishes the day and get over with all work, it should be bliss to finally rest in bed. However, if feeling is of more fatigued, then there is something wrong.
Doctors say healthy kidneys produce a ‘hormone’ known as ‘erythropoietin’. It signals body to produce red blood cells. As kidneys begin to fail, they produce less of this hormone and body produces fewer red blood cells. Not having enough red blood cells can lead to anaemia, which occurs when brain lacks oxygen.
Then one feels more mentally exhausted than normal or that one has trouble with memory and concentration. Under such circumstances and conditions, experts hold that it is easier to successfully treat kidney disease when it is detected early. While slowing down the progression of kidney damage; doctors would be able to certainly determine what the underlying cause is.
If kidney disease progresses, it can lead to kidney failure. It may further require either dialysis or a transplant. Dialysis is the process of removing waste products, body fluids, and water from the blood with the help of a machine when the kidneys fail. Dialysis performs some of the functions that healthy kidneys perform in the body with the help of a device.
While all of the symptoms are potential warning signs of kidney disease, the only way to know for sure is to seek a doctor’s opinion and get tested. The sooner one recognizes symptoms and notify a professional, the sooner he/she can get diagnosed. It will help in starting to slow down the progression of the kidney disease, which may later be a threat to life and living.
Educationist/Administrator/Editor/Author/Speaker
Commencing teaching in his early twenties, Prof Aggarwal has diverse experience of great tenure in the top institutions not only as an educationist, administrator, editor, author but also promoting youth and its achievements through the nicest possible content framing. A revolutionary to the core, he is also keen to address the society around him for its betterment and growth on positive notes while imbibing the true team spirit the work force along with.
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