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Our kidneys play a major role in the proper functioning of the body. Unfortunately, most kidney diseases can develop without any obvious symptoms. As a result, some people find out about their kidney disease at an advanced stage, when they have lost up to 90% of their kidney function. 

If you have any of the symptoms below, then you should see a doctor. Bear in mind that these symptoms can be caused by other health problems. The only way you can really know what is causing your symptoms is if you see a doctor. 

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Here are 5 signs that can indicate kidney problems 

You have dry and itchy skin 

The kidneys carry out many important functions in the body. They remove harmful elements and excess fluid from your body, take part in the production of red blood cells, keep the bones strong and keep the right balance of minerals in the body. Dry and itchy skin might be an indication of a mineral and bone illness that often occurs due to kidney disease. It happens when the kidneys are no longer able to support the right balance of minerals and nutrients in your blood. 

You’re always feeling cold no matter the temperature 

Shivering, tiredness, insomnia, difficulty breathing, and weakness are all signs of anaemia – a lack of red blood cells. The correlation between anaemia and kidney disease all boils down to a hormone called erythropoietin. This hormone stimulates the production of red blood cells, which distribute oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When the kidneys are damaged, the production of erythropoietin may be slowed down to a significant extent. Therefore, chronic anaemia may be a sign that the kidneys are not working properly.

You experience swelling 

Swelling occurs when an excess amount of water accumulates in intracellular spaces. At first, people with kidney problems may experience swelling in the feet, face, and eyelids. But it might eventually spread all over the body and develop at a fast rate. This swelling is often accompanied by other symptoms such as dry skin, migraines, and sleepiness. If you experience swelling that is accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult your doctor to rule out chronic kidney disease. 

You feel the need to urinate more often 

If you find yourself urinating more often, especially at night, then this can be a sign of kidney disease. This occurs when the kidney filters are damaged and cause an increase in the urge to urinate. However, frequent urination can also be a sign of a urinary infection or enlarged prostate in men. 

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You have unpleasant breath 

Unpleasant breath can occur due to many diseases including problems with the teeth or stomach. But urinary tract infections are one of the most common culprits. In some cases, a urinary tract infection can easily spread to the kidney. Damaged kidneys are not able to evacuate metabolism products as quickly as they should. This can lead to a buildup of waste in the body, which eventually spreads to the gastrointestinal tract and causes bad breath. You should see a doctor if you have bad breath along with symptoms such as a constant urge to urinate, pain in the pelvic region, fever, and pain when urinating. 

Sources:

Life Options

Health Line

Featured Image Source: Web MD

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This article was first published on 9th February 2020

samuelokoruwa

My name is Samuel Okoruwa. I am an ardent researcher, reading is life and writing is fun.

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