The kidneys are two of the quietest workers in our body. They work silently, 24 hours a day, filtering our blood and removing waste products as urine . Just like the water filter at home. But the most dangerous thing is that when these kidneys start to get sick, that is, when chronic kidney disease occurs, there are no symptoms in the early stages. Sometimes, even after the disease has progressed, there may be no symptoms. Because of this silence, your kidneys may be damaged without you even knowing it.
Why do symptoms of kidney disease appear late?
Think about it, our kidneys are two organs with amazing capabilities. Even if they start to suffer some damage, they can cover that part of the work with the remaining healthy part. This means that there may be no symptoms until the kidney function is significantly reduced, that is, more than 50%. This is why we call it the “silent enemy.” When symptoms appear, it can sometimes be too late. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this.
What symptoms should we look out for?
If your chronic kidney disease is in a more advanced stage, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms. Although these can also be caused by other diseases, it is important to be aware of them.
| Symptom | Simply put… (description) |
|---|---|
| Vomiting or nausea | When waste products are not properly removed from the kidneys, they can build up in the blood and cause nausea and vomiting. This condition may be more noticeable in the morning. |
| Changes in urination | Passing more urine than usual (especially at night) or passing less . The color of the urine may also change. |
| Seeing foam in the urine | Does your urine have a foamy, beer-like consistency? This could be a sign of protein in your urine. This is usually not a good thing. |
| Body swelling (Oedema) | Swelling, especially in the ankles, feet, and hands . A feeling of puffiness around the eyes when you wake up in the morning. This happens when the kidneys are unable to remove excess fluid. |
| Constant fatigue and shortness of breath | The kidneys produce a hormone that helps make red blood cells. When the kidneys are diseased, this hormone decreases, causing anemia. This is why you feel tired and have trouble climbing stairs. |
| Loss of appetite and taste | A feeling of not wanting to eat and not being able to taste food properly. Some people may also experience a metallic taste in their mouth. |
| Muscle Cramps | Do you often experience cramps, especially in your legs? This can happen when the body's electrolyte balance is disrupted. This is a sign of decreased kidney function. |
| Dry and itchy skin | The accumulation of waste products in the blood can cause the skin to become excessively dry and persistently itchy. |
| Insomnia | Sleep can be disrupted by things like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome. |
| Weight loss for no reason | You may lose weight for no apparent reason due to loss of appetite and changes in your body. |
How does this situation affect young children?
A young child with chronic kidney disease may also have the symptoms listed above. In addition, the child may be more tired and sleepy than usual . They may also have a decreased appetite and may not grow as tall as expected .
Who is at higher risk for kidney disease?
Some people are more at risk of developing kidney disease than others. If you belong to one of these groups, you should not only pay attention to your symptoms, but also get regular medical checkups .
- People with Diabetes Mellitus : Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease.
- People with high blood pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause significant damage to the kidneys.
- If someone in the family has kidney disease: Genetic influence is also important here.
- People with heart disease.
- People over 60 years of age.
- People who have been using certain painkillers for a long time.
If you belong to this risk group, even if you have no symptoms, regular kidney checkups as advised by your doctor will save you from major problems in the future.
When should you see a doctor?
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, please don't dismiss them as "it could just be something else." There could be other causes for these, but you should definitely see a doctor to find out exactly what the problem is and what to do.
If you have a risk factor such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, talk to your doctor about how often you should get tested. A simple urine test (Urine Full Report) and a blood test (Serum Creatinine) can tell you a lot about the condition of your kidneys.
Remember, the earlier kidney disease is detected, the greater the chance of treatment and maintaining good function.
Take-Home Message
- Chronic kidney disease often does not show any symptoms in the early stages, which is why it is called a “silent disease.”
- Be aware of symptoms such as swelling, frequent fatigue, changes in urination, and loss of appetite.
- If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, you are at higher risk.
- Even if you don't have any symptoms, if you are in a risk group, see a doctor regularly and have your kidneys checked.
- If you experience any symptoms, do not ignore them and seek immediate advice from your doctor. Early detection is the best defense.
Kidney disease, kidney disease, kidney symptoms, kidney symptoms, CKD, chronic kidney disease, kidney function, urine test, high blood pressure, diabetes
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