How does improper kidney function manifest itself? A quiet worker who does not make his illness known unless the symptoms are very serious.

Do you know your kidneys? Each is about the size of a computer mouse, and both filter all the blood in the body in tandem every 30 minutes. "They remove waste substances, toxins and excess fluids. They help control blood pressure, the hormones that are formed in them, stimulate the production of red blood cells and maintain healthy bones," enumerate nephrologists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta and add an alarming statistic: "We estimate that 37 million suffer from undiagnosed chronic kidney disease 40% of American adults and 40% of people worldwide are living with severely reduced kidney function without knowing it.” (2) We will now look at how kidney disease manifests itself.

How does improper kidney function manifest itself?

The only way to confirm with certainty the incorrect function of the kidneys is to undergo an examination. However, there are symptoms that a susceptible individual will notice before they are brought to the doctor for diagnosis. Please be aware that if you are at risk of kidney disease due to high blood pressure, diabetes a family history of kidney failure, or age over 60, you should undergo an annual examination of the kidneys and urinary tract. We will now focus on the symptoms of reduced function of this paired filtering organ.

#1 - Fatigue, low energy and concentration problems

A severe decrease in kidney function leads to the accumulation of toxins and waste products in the blood. This is why you feel extremely tired, weak and find it difficult to concentrate. Another complication of improper kidney function is anemia, which increases weakness and fatigue. (3)

#2 - Sleep problems

When the kidneys do not function properly, they do not flush toxins through the urine, and they accumulate in the blood. This causes sleep problems. There is also a link between obesity, chronic kidney disease and sleep apnea, which is more common in patients with chronic kidney disease compared to the general population. (4)

#3 - Dry and itchy skin (pruritus)

Healthy kidneys remove waste products and excess fluid from the body, help make red blood cells and maintain strong bones. If they don't work properly, toxins and waste materials accumulate in the damaged kidneys, a condition called uremia and usually associated with itching. "Dry and itchy skin is a sign of mineral imbalance that often accompanies advanced kidney disease," explain doctors at the National Kidney Foundation. (5) However, this symptom mainly occurs in the terminal stages of kidney disease.

#4 - More frequent need to urinate and foamy urine

A symptom of reduced kidney function is also the need to urinate more often, especially at night. The increased urge to poop is caused by damage to the kidney filters (3) and also by the fact that when lying down, the kidneys are better supplied with blood, so they can perform their function better. (6)

#5 - Swollen legs (ankles) and muscle cramps

Reduced kidney function leads to sodium retention in the body, causing swelling in the legs and ankles. Please note that swelling of the lower limbs can also be a symptom of other health ailments, such as heart disease, liver disease, or chronic problems with the veins of the lower limbs. A frequent symptom of improper kidney function is electrolyte imbalance. A low level of calcium, for example, contributes to muscle spasms. (3)

How does the patient experience kidney dysfunction?

The mentioned symptoms fall into the category "how kidney disease is felt by the patient". Kidney pain usually does not manifest itself, so you only notice it when kidney function is reduced by 75%. (7) Nephrologists from the website lednevny.cz warn that patients should be interested in the following 4 most important manifestations of improper kidney function:

1. accumulation of waste substances (urea, creatinine),
2. increase in blood pressure,
3. development of anemia (anemia),
4. imbalance in mineral levels (calcium, sodium, potassium, phosphorus).

"In severe kidney failure, a uremic syndrome appears, which is manifested by vomiting, diarrhea, rapid and deep breathing, gasping for breath, itching and graying of the skin," add nephrologists from the website ledveny.cz. Few people overlook these symptoms, but they are classified as latent and accompanying kidney damage. The moment they make themselves known, it is necessary to start treating the patient without delay. Pathology distinguishes two ways in which the improper function of the kidneys manifests itself.

Are you experiencing any of the symptoms of reduced kidney function? Get tested every year

If you notice a loss of appetite, headache, difficulty sleeping, nocturnal urge to urinate, poor concentration, swelling of the face and lower limbs, or nocturnal leg cramps, undergo an examination of the kidneys and urinary tract. Given that one of the manifestations of improper kidney function is an imbalance of minerals, we recommend combining the examination of the kidneys with the testing of mineral levels. Last but not least, it is advisable to undergo an examination of the level of vitamin D, which damaged kidneys have trouble working with.

Tip: Warm vegetable dishes and fresh fruit work well to support kidney function. Try to avoid meat and protein foods for a while. Limit salty foods and fast sugars. (9)

The kidneys keep the body in balance. As long as they work and don't make themselves known, we hardly notice them. When they show obvious symptoms, according to experts, their functionality is already reduced by almost 75%, which is almost equal to their failure. Do not underestimate this paired bean-shaped organ, because without healthy kidneys, there is no full life.