Chronic kidney disease or kidney failure is the gradual loss of kidney function. The kidneys are important organs which help in the filtration of waste and fluids from the blood through the urine.
In the early stages of this condition, the symptoms may only be few and the disease may not become clear until a major impairment.
The treatment of this condition is focused on slowing down the progression by management of the underlying reasons. Unfortunately, this illness, if not properly addressed, can lead to kidney failure that can be fatal without transplant or dialysis.
This being said, early diagnosis and adequate treatment are pivotal for the prevention of the end-stage. To this extent, it’s crucial to be able to recognize the symptoms, especially the early ones.
The 20 Major Symptoms of Kidney Disease You Mustn’t Ignore
The symptoms of this condition are frequently non-specific because they can also be triggered by other diseases. And, as our kidneys are very adaptable and can compensate for loss in function, the symptoms may not be visible until irreversible damage.
In case you experience these symptoms, it’s pivotal to consult your physician as soon as possible.
If you’re diagnosed with a condition that puts you at a higher risk of kidney illness, you may need to do regular urine and blood tests and blood pressure measurements to track your kidney health.
Here are the 20 major symptoms of kidney disease:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Tiredness
- Sleep issues
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Itching
- Chest ache
- Shortness of breath
- Hypertension
- Muscle cramps and twitches
- Urine frequency changes
- Decrease in mental sharpness
- Back ache
- Diarrhea
- Nosebleeds
- Rashes
- Belly ache
- Sudden weight change
- Blood in urine
- Anemia
- Erectile dysfunction
What Are the Treatment Options?
Currently, there’s no remedy for chronic kidney illness; however, there are beneficial therapies that help manage the symptoms and slow down the disease’s progression.
People with this kidney condition may need to take several meds, including high blood pressure meds, iron supplements, antihistamines, and anti-sickness meds.
They may also need to reduce their intake of phosphate-rich foods like fish, dairy, eggs, and red meat.
When it comes to diet, individuals with chronic kidney illness need to better their diet by lowering protein and salt intake and limiting the consumption of phosphorus- and potassium-rich foods.
One recognized treatment for kidney disease is the DASH diet, which is also recommended by the National Kidney Foundation.
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