Having a chronic disease can make it feel as if your life has spun out of control. However, you need to have a full understanding of it to receive proper treatment.
According to experts, learning about your kidneys is a way to feel more in control of your life and health again. Your kidneys help keep your body’s chemistry in balance all the time-from producing urine to removing waste and excess water-they are among the most overworked organs. And when they show signs of failing, it is high time you do not ignore them.
When kidney function starts to decline, your body gives a few subtle signs, which are important to recognise for timely intervention and prevention of further damage. Doctors say a few important signs you must not ignore-especially if you have underlying medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure-include:
Puffy face
Does your face and eyes look puffy and swollen – especially in the morning? According to experts, it is not just because of staying up late or allergies but could signal a serious kidney issue.
Doctors say swelling in your face happens when your kidneys are not able to properly filter out waste and fluid. In nephrotic states, the kidneys leak albumin into urine, which reduces plasma oncotic pressure, so fluid shifts into loose tissues-most visibly the periorbital area after a night lying flat. Also, retention of sodium further begins to expand total body water – thereby causing swelling.
Foamy and bubbly urine
If the first urine of the day that you pass is foamy and bubbly, it reflects excess urinary protein – a condition known as proteinuria, which is an early sign of glomerular damage.
According to experts, it can also happen due to dehydration, rapid urination, or toilet cleansers – but repeated foamy urine needs to be investigated, as proteinuria can increase the risk of renal failure, which is irreversible.
Dry and itchy skin
If you wake up in the morning scratching and feeling dryness on your skin, it could be the first step towards kidney failure. Also known as uremic pruritus – a common symptom resulting from the buildup of waste products and imbalances in minerals like phosphorus – this is an important sign you must not ignore.
According to experts, skin dryness can mean declining kidney function, for which, apart from using gentle skin care practices and hydrating your skin with the help of moisturisers, you need to take prescription medication for the treatment of your kidneys.
Brain fog
When your kidneys are not able to filter all waste out of your body, the toxins affect your brain. Doctors say it can make you feel dizzy and have trouble with concentration and memory.
You may even become so confused that you have trouble with simple tasks.
Foul breath
When your kidneys are not able to filter out waste, it leads to a condition known as uremia. It not only makes your mouth smell, but also the toxins in your bloodstream give food a metallic or off taste.