Kidneys are essential for our health and overall fitness. They flush out waste and excess fluids, regulate blood pressure, and produce critical hormones. But any malfunction in the kidneys – as in kidney failure – leads to an accumulation of toxins in the body. Being aware of the early symptoms of kidney failure can lead us to seek timely medical help and avoid serious complications.
Kidney Failure Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Here are some of the warning symptoms of kidney failure that you should never ignore:
Tiredness and Lack of Strength
Persistent weakness and fatigue often flags kidney failure. Non-effective waste filtering by the kidneys leads to toxin build-up causing tiredness, even when you are getting plenty of rest. Don’t ignore this fatigue—it could be an early symptom of kidney problem.
Puffiness and Fluid Retention
Frequent swelling, especially in the legs, ankles, feet or face, signals kidney failure. This puffiness occurs when kidneys can’t remove extra fluid from the body, and could indicate a reduction in kidney functioning.
Urination Pattern Changes
You might notice changes in your urination—increased frequency (mostly at night), foamy or bloody urine, or difficulty in urinating. These symptoms should not be overlooked, as they could indicate an underlying kidney issue.
Breathlessness
You may experience shortness of breath when fluid accumulates in your lungs. This happens when failing kidneys struggle to eliminate extra fluid from the body. A sudden or unexplained difficulty in breathing definitely calls for a prompt medical check-up.
Nausea and Appetite Loss
Ongoing feelings of sickness, vomiting, and loss of appetite can also be signs of kidney failure. This happens when digestion is affected due to waste build-up in the body. If you’re facing long-term digestive issues and other symptoms, get in touch with a healthcare professional.
Prioritizing kidney health is essential for overall good health. Don’t hesitate to see a healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms or any concerns regarding your kidney function. Catching kidney issues early on can prevent further damage and can help maintain kidney efficiency. Remember, your kidneys have a key role in keeping you healthy. So, take good care of them.