Symptoms of Kidney Disease

  Symptoms of Kidney Disease

1. Fatigue – being tired all of the time

Why this happens:

Healthy kidneys make a hormone called erythropoietin (a-rith'- ro-po'- uh-tin), or EPO, that tells your body to make oxygen-carrying red blood cells. As the kidneys fail, they make less EPO. With fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen, your muscles and brain tire very quickly. This is anemia, and it can be treated.

What patients said:

I was constantly exhausted and didn't have any pep or anything.

I would sleep a lot. I'd come home from work and get right in that bed.

 

2. Feeling cold – when others are warm

Why this happens:

Anemia can make you feel cold all the time, even in a warm room.

What patients said:

I notice sometimes I get really cold, I get chills.

Sometimes I get really, really cold. It could be hot, and I'd be cold.

 

3. Shortness of breath – after very little effort

Why this happens:

Being short of breath can be related to the kidneys in two ways. First, extra fluid in the body can build up in the lungs. And second, anemia (a shortage of oxygen-carrying red blood cells) can leave your body oxygen-starved and short of breath.

What patients said:

At the times when I get the shortness of breath, it's alarming to me. It just fears me. I think maybe I might fall or something so I usually go sit down for awhile.

I couldn't sleep at night. I couldn't catch my breath, like I was drowning or something. And, the bloating, can't breathe, can't walk anywhere. It was bad.

 

4. Feeling faint, dizzy, or weak

Why this happens:

Anemia related to kidney failure means that your brain is not getting enough oxygen. This can lead to feeling faint, dizzy, or weak.

What patients said:

I was always tired and dizzy.

It got to the point, like, I used to be at work, and all of the sudden I'd start getting dizzy. So I was thinking maybe it was my blood pressure or else diabetes was going bad. That's what was on my mind.

 

5. Trouble thinking clearly

Why this happens:

Anemia related to kidney failure means that your brain is not getting enough oxygen. This can lead to memory problems or trouble with concentration.

What patients said:

I know I mentioned to my wife that my memory—I couldn't remember what I did last week, or maybe what I had 2 days ago. I couldn't really concentrate, because I like to work crossword puzzles and read a lot.

 

6. Feeling very itchy

Why this happens:

Kidneys remove wastes from the bloodstream. When the kidneys fail, the build-up of wastes in your blood can cause severe itching.

What patients said:

It's not really a skin itch or anything, it's just right down to the bone. I had to get a brush and dig. My back was just bloody from scratching it so much.

My skin had broke out, I was itching and scratching a lot.

7. Swelling in hands or feet

Why this happens:

Failing kidneys don't remove extra fluid, which builds up in your body causing swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, and/or hands.

What patients said:

I remember a lot of swelling in my ankles. My ankles were so big I couldn't get my shoes on.

Going to work one morning, my left ankle was swollen, real swollen, and I was very exhausted just walking to the bus stop. And I knew then that I had to see a doctor.

8. Swollen or puffy face

Why this happens:

Failing kidneys don't remove extra fluid, which builds up in your body causing swelling in the face.

What patients said:

My sister, her hair started to fall out, she was losing weight, but her face was really puffy, you know, and everything like that, before she found out what was going on with her.

9. Food tastes like metal

Why this happens:

A build-up of wastes in the blood (called uremia) can make food taste different and cause bad breath. You may also notice that you stop liking to eat meat, or that you are losing weight because you just don't feel like eating.

What patients said:

Foul taste in your mouth. Almost like you're drinking iron.

I don't have the appetite I had before I started dialysis, I must have lost about 10 pounds.

10. Ammonia breath

Why this happens:

A build-up of wastes in the blood (called uremia) can cause bad breath.

What patients said:

My husband always tells me I have fish breath.

Sometimes my breath smells like urine and I need to brush my teeth more often.

11. Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting

Why this happens:

A severe build-up of wastes in the blood (uremia) can also cause nausea and vomiting. Loss of appetite can lead to weight loss.

What patients said:

I had a lot of itching, and I was nauseated, throwing up all the time. I couldn't keep anything down in my stomach.

When I got the nausea, I couldn't eat and I had a hard time taking my blood pressure pills.

12. Getting up during the night to make urine

Why this happens:

Kidneys make urine, so when the kidneys are failing, the urine may change. How?

You may urinate more often, or in greater amounts than usual, with pale urine.

You may feel pressure or have difficulty urinating.

What patients said:

My urine is what I had started noticing. Then I was frequently going to the bathroom, and when I got there, nothing's happening. You think, 'Hey, I've got to go to the john,' and you get there, 2 or 3 drops.

13. Foamy or bubbly urine

Why this happens:

Kidneys make urine, so when the kidneys are failing, the urine may change. How?

Urine may be foamy or bubbly.

This can lead to an above-normal amount of protein in the urine.

What patients said:

The bowl would be filled with bubbles.

Sometimes I would notice my urine being very foamy, so I made an appointment with the doctor.

14. Brown, red, or purple urine

Why this happens:

Kidneys make urine, so when the kidneys are failing, the urine may change. How?

You may urinate less often, or in smaller amounts than usual, with dark-colored urine.

Your urine may contain blood.

What patients said:

I was passing blood in my urine. It was so dark it looked like grape Kool-Aid. And when I went to the hospital they thought I was lying about what color it was.

15. Pressure when you make urine

Why this happens:

Kidneys make urine, so when the kidneys are failing, the urine may change. How?

You may feel pressure or have difficulty urinating.

What patients said:

When you go to use the restroom, you couldn't get it all out. And it would still feel just like tightness down there, there was so much pressure.

 

MORE Symptoms of Kidney Disease

You’re more tired, have less energy or are having trouble concentrating. A severe decrease in kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can cause you to feel tired, weak and can make it hard to concentrate. Another complication of kidney disease is anemia, which can also cause weakness and fatigue.

You’re having trouble sleeping. When the kidneys aren’t filtering properly, toxins stay in the blood rather than leaving the body through the urine. This can make it difficult to sleep. There is also a link between obesity and chronic kidney disease, and sleep apnea is more common in those with chronic kidney disease.

You have dry and itchy skin. Healthy kidneys do many important jobs. They remove wastes and extra fluid from your body, help make red blood cells, keep bones strong and work to maintain the right amount of minerals in your blood. Dry and itchy skin can be a sign of the mineral and bone disease that often accompanies advanced kidney disease, when the kidneys are no longer able to keep the right balance of minerals and nutrients in the blood.

You feel the need to urinate more often. If you feel the need to urinate more often, especially at night, this can be a sign of kidney disease. When the kidneys’ filters are damaged, it can cause an increase in the urge to urinate. Frequent urination can also be a sign of a urinary infection or enlarged prostate in men.

You see blood in your urine. Healthy kidneys typically keep blood cells in the body when filtering wastes from the blood to create urine. However, when the kidneys have been damaged, these blood cells can start to “leak” out into the urine. In addition to signaling kidney disease, blood in the urine can be indicative of tumors, kidney stones or an infection.

Your urine is foamy. Excessive bubbles in the urine — especially ones that require you to flush several times before they go away — indicate protein in the urine. This foam may look like the foam you see when scrambling eggs, as the common protein found in urine, albumin, is the same protein as in eggs.

You’re experiencing persistent puffiness around your eyes. Protein in the urine is an early sign that the kidneys’ filters have been damaged, allowing protein to leak into the urine. This puffiness around your eyes can be due to the fact that your kidneys are leaking a large amount of protein in the urine, rather than keeping it in the body.

Your ankles and feet are swollen. Decreased kidney function can lead to sodium retention, causing swelling in your feet and ankles. Swelling in the lower extremities can also be a sign of heart disease, liver disease and chronic leg vein problems.

You have a poor appetite. This is a very general symptom, but a buildup of toxins resulting from reduced kidney function can be one of the causes.

Your muscles are cramping. Electrolyte imbalances and cramping can be caused by impaired kidney function. For example, low calcium levels and poorly controlled phosphorus may contribute to muscle cramping.

10 Common Habits That May Harm Your Kidneys

1. Overusing Painkillers
Over the counter pain medicines, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) may alleviate your aches and pains, but they can harm the kidneys, especially if you already have kidney disease. Reduce your regular use of NSAIDs and never go over the recommended dosage.

2. Abusing the Salt Shaker
Diets high in salt are high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure and, in turn, harm your kidneys.  Flavor your foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Over time, you may find it easier to avoid using added salt (sodium) on your food.

3. Eating Processed Foods
Processed foods are significant sources of sodium and phosphorus. Many people who have kidney disease need to limit phosphorus in their diets. Some studies have shown that high phosphorus intake from processed foods in people without kidney disease may be harmful to their kidneys and bones. Try adopting the DASH diet to guide your healthy eating habits.

4. Not Drinking Enough Water
Staying well hydrated helps your kidneys clear sodium and toxins from the body. Drinking plenty of water is also one of the best ways to avoid painful kidney stones. Those with kidney problems or kidney failure may need to restrict their fluid intake, but for most people, drinking 1.5 to 2 liters (3 to 4 pints) of water per day is a healthy target.

5. Missing Out on Sleep
A good night’s rest is extremely important to your overall well-being and, it turns out, your kidneys. Kidney function is regulated by the sleep-wake cycle which helps coordinate the kidneys’ workload over 24 hours.

6. Eating Too Much Meat
Animal protein generates high amounts of acid in the blood that can be harmful to the kidneys and cause acidosis – a condition in which kidneys cannot eliminate acid fast enough. Protein is needed for growth, upkeep and repair of all parts of the body but your diet should be well balanced with fruits and vegetables.

7. Eating Too Many Foods High in Sugar
Sugar contributes to obesity which increases your risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes, two of the leading causes of kidney disease. In addition to desserts, sugar is often added to foods and drinks that you may not consider “sweet.” Avoid condiments, breakfast cereals, and white bread which are all sneaky sources of processed sugar. Pay attention to the ingredients when buying packaged goods to avoid added sugar in your diet.

8. Lighting Up
Sure, smoking isn't good for your lungs or your heart. But did you know that smoking may not be good for your kidneys either? People who smoke are more likely to have protein in the urine – a sign of kidney damage.

9. Drinking Alcohol in Excess 
Regular heavy drinking – more than four drinks a day – has been found to double the risk chronic kidney disease. Heavy drinkers who also smoke have an even higher risk of kidney problems. Smokers who are heavy drinkers have about five times the chance of developing chronic kidney disease than people who don’t smoke or drink alcohol to excess.

10. Sitting Still 
Sitting for long periods of time has now been linked to the development of kidney disease. Although researchers don’t know yet why or how sedentary time or physical activity directly impact kidney health, it is known that greater physical activity is associated with  improved blood pressure and glucose metabolism, both important factors in kidney health.

10 Worst Medications for Your Kidneys

To help you avoid being exposed to these types of medications, below are a list of the 10 most common ones that can cause damage to your kidneys.

1.) NSAIDS

NSAID medications, otherwise known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can be incredibly dangerous to your kidneys and can induce a number of kidney damage along with other conditions, such as menstrual pain, rheumatoid arthritis, fever, and inflammation in the body. Common NSAIDS include: Motrin, Aleve, naproxen, ibuprofen, and Advil.
It can restrict blood flow to the kidneys, causing extensive kidney damage and failure in some cases. People who suffer from liver disease, heart failure, or current kidney problems are at a higher risk if given NSAIDS. However, to reduce the side effects of taking this medication, work on lowering doses and only take it for a short amount of time.

 

2.) Diuretics

Diuretics are used to assist your body in getting rid of extra water and salt. This form of medication is primarily used to help treat blood pressure, edema, and glaucoma. It comes in three main diuretics types: loop diuretics, potassium-sparing diuretics, and thiazide diuretics.
However, the medication can affect the water in the body, which can deteriorate kidney function. Before using, talk to your doctor to see if this medication will be the best fit for you.

3.) Jardiance

Jardiance, otherwise known as empagliflozin, is a new type of diabetes medication that is known to cause kidney complications. Along with other nephrotoxic drugs, Jardiance can cause even more complications as well.

 

4.) Foscarnet

Foscarnet is rarely used but is used as an antiviral for immunocompromised hospitalized patients. However, nevertheless, it is a nephrotoxic drug that can cause injury to your kidneys when used.

 

5.) Zoledronate

Zoledronate is a common drug to help treat osteoporosis but can cause both kidney failure and tubular cell toxicity. Zometa can be given as an IV infusion for cancer bone metastases and holds a well-known risk of kidney failure.

 

6.) Vancomycin

This is an antibiotic used specifically for the treatment of MRSA, aka methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, infections. This drug can lead to serious kidney damage and may even cause them to swell.
If you are taking this antibiotic, your levels will be monitored very closely to ensure you do not sustain any damage to your kidneys.

7.) ACE Inhibitors

ACE inhibitor medications can be hard to classify because they can be both good and bad for your kidneys. Even though they are known to be kidney protective medication for diabetes, they can sometimes result in a decline in kidney function when first introduced to the body.
If you are getting treated with ACE inhibitors for either heart failure or blood pressure, make sure you are started on low doses first, while getting routine blood tests to make sure your kidneys are functioning properly.

 

8.) Iodinated Radiocontrast

This may seem like a hard and complicated medication, but iodinated radiocontrast merely refers to diagnostic tests that involve dyes.
Among the most commonly known conditions of damage, this medication is contrast-induced kidney damage from iodinated radiocontrast. It is also a common kidney injury in patients that are hospitalized after 28 hours of an IV contrast injection.

 

9.) Aminoglycoside Antibiotics

Even at very low doses, this antibiotic is known for a majority of kidney injury or failure. People who suffer from chronic kidney disease or have taken this form of antibiotic are most at risk.

However, the most harmful type of aminoglycoside antibiotic is called neomycin, along with gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin, and streptomycin.
Although all of these medications are currently used in hospitals around the world, it’s important you know what may or may not be harmful to your health.

 

10.) HIV Medications & Antiretrovirals

A number HIV medications and antiretrovirals are commonly associated with kidney disease risk and chronic renal problems.
However, both Viread (tenofovir) and Retataz (atazanavir) have proven to cause acute tubular necrosis. This is a kidney disorder that damages the tubule cells of the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure.