Symptoms of kidney disease

Kidney Disease

There are many diseases that can affect the kidneys and impair their function. Some of such diseases may include kidney infection, kidney cancer, chronic nephritis, kidney stones, and acute or chronic kidney failure. The most common causes of kidney disease are high blood pressure, anemia, diabetes or drug abuse. There are also hereditary factors and congenital conditions which can lead to kidney disease. Certain disorders, such as enlarged prostate, lupus or scleroderma, can also cause problems with your kidneys and bladder.

Specific Symptoms

The symptoms of any kidney disease develop very slowly, and you may not be aware that there is something wrong at the early stages of the disease. When the symptoms start to show you will notice changes in urination. The most obvious symptoms are different color and quality of your urine. Dark urine may indicate high amount of protein in your system, and pink or red urine point to blood in the urine. If you urinate more than usual, your urine may be pale. The urine can also be foamy or cloudy. Difficulties with urination may include pressure and pain while passing urine, frequent urge for urination, decreased amount of urine, or no urine at all. If you do not urinate or you urinate just a little, this means that the fluid is building up in your body. As a consequence, you may notice swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, hands or face.

General Symptoms

Kidney disease can cause fatigue because impaired kidneys affect the red blood cells which carry oxygen to the brain and muscles. Weakness of the muscles leads to constant tiredness and exhaustion. You may also have cramps in the muscles. Urine retention causes waste buildup in your blood which leads to skin disorders. The most common skin disorders which are a result of kidney disease include severe and persistent itchiness and rash. You may also experience metallic taste in your mouth and bad breath. Waste in the blood can also cause nausea which is often followed by vomiting. Another symptom of kidney disease is loss of appetite, which may lead to weight loss.

Other Symptoms

Problems with concentration and dizziness are not typical symptoms of kidney disease, but they can point to high blood pressure which is one of the main causes of kidney disease. Fluid buildup in the lungs can cause shortness of breath and sleeping disorders. Other symptoms of kidney disease may include fever and chills.