The only way to know whether you have kidney disease is to be evaluated by a medical professional. That is where the experts at Midwest Nephrology come in. They can help you reach a diagnosis and prescribe treatment, or can even help you identify another cause of your symptoms. Contact one of our clinics for more information and to schedule an appointment with a professional.
KIDNEY DISEASE SYMPTOMS
Kidney disease symptoms tend to show up in later stages or when the kidney is failing. If you experience the following symptoms or are at risk due to high blood pressure, diabetes, or have a family history of kidney disease, we recommend that you get tested at one of our many clinic locations.
When it comes to warning signs, some common symptoms may include bladder issues, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, dry skin, difficulty concentrating, decreased appetite, cramping, back pain, and high blood pressure.
INCREASED URINATION
Feeling the increased need to urinate, especially at night, can be a sign of kidney disease. When the kidney filters are damaged this can cause a high need to urinate.
CHANGES IN URINE
The appearance of urine can change due to kidney disease. Seeing blood or foamy urine due to poor kidney filters and increased protein are both signs that you may have kidney disease. If you have an abnormal urine test or abnormal levels of phosphorus, calcium, or vitamin D in your urine, this can lead to cramping symptoms. Poor filtering can cause various imbalances that may show up on urine tests and help reveal a more serious issue.
FATIGUE
Kidney issues can cause issues with filtering out toxins and impurities in the blood causing you to feel tired or weak. This can lead to shortness of breath due to your kidneys not removing enough fluids. Excess fluids can then build up in your lungs causing shortness of breath and breathing problems.
DIFFICULTY SLEEPING
Kidney disease will prevent toxins from leaving the blood, which can cause issues with sleep. Obesity and sleep apnea are also more common in those who suffer from kidney disease.
DRY SKIN AND SWELLING
When kidneys can no longer maintain the proper amount of minerals and nutrients in your blood, you may experience mineral and bone disease causing you to itch and have dry skin.
Someone with kidney disease may experience swelling in their hands, legs, or feet. This is because kidney disease can affect sodium retention levels, and high levels of sodium can cause swelling in the hand, legs, and feet areas.
DIFFICULTY CONCENTRATING
Similarly to fatigue, poor filtering of toxins and impurities in the blood can cause issues with concentration and focus.
DECREASED APPETITE
Poor filtering and a buildup of toxins can decrease your overall appetite.
CRAMPING AND BACK PAIN
Impaired or diseased kidneys can result in electrolyte imbalances like lower calcium causing cramping. Some people with kidney disease may also experience lower back pain and discomfort around where the kidneys are located. This may also be due to infection associated with the disease.
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
Poor filtering and excess fluid and sodium can cause you to experience high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can also damage blood vessels in the kidneys and can make the disease worse.
MIDWEST NEPHROLOGY IS HERE TO HELP
At Midwest Nephrology, our dedicated team of providers and certified staff are ready to assist you in diagnosing and treating your kidney concerns. Contact Midwest Nephrology if you have any questions or are looking for a consultation today.