Kidneys are among the most important organs in the human body. By filtering 120-150 quarts of blood every day, they promote the proper functioning of the body. Likewise, they keep the electrolyte levels stable, thereby maintaining bone strength, producing red blood cells, and regulating blood pressure.
Hence, damaged kidneys are a threat to life, and this article outlines the most common symptoms of kidney damage that you should know to help you uphold kidney health.
1.Swelling– When the kidneys can’t remove the excess fluid in the body, it can result in swelling of hands, feet, face, legs, and ankles. Hence, unexpected swelling in such areas could be a manifestation of kidney failure.
2.Changes in Urination – The following changes may be an early indication of kidney failure:
urine may contain blood
difficulty urinating and feel pressure
dark colored urine in small amounts or less often
pale urine in large amounts or more often
urinate in the middle of the night
bubbly or foamy urine
3. Skin Rash
Kidney failure may lead to severe itching or skin rash as a result of the inability to remove waste from the blood. Skin becomes dry and irritated due to waste build-up in the blood. While ointment and creams can help on the surface, they can’t solve the problem of kidney damage related rashes.
4. Fatigue– Kidneys produce a hormone called EPO, or erythropoietin, which is responsible for making red blood cells and carrying oxygen. When kidneys are damaged, there is reduced production of red blood cells, and hence insufficient oxygen supply. Consequently, the muscles and the brain become fatigued easily and quickly, and it results in anemia.
5. Shortness of Breath– Kidney damage can lead to shortness of breath, which leaves the body starved of oxygen.
6. Metalic Taste in the Mouth– This is attributed to the waste accumulation in the blood, and it can be accompanied by loss of appetite or change in food preferences.
7. Pain– You may experience pain in your upper back or on the side of the damaged kidney. Kidney infections and kidney stones are also associated with spasms and a severe pain.
8. Trouble Concentrating and Dizziness– This is attributed to insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain, which is associated with anemia, a condition that is related kidney damage.
Source: http://www.houseofhealth.us/
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