What are common signs of kidney disease?

According to the National Kidney Foundation, most people do not recognize the signs of kidney disease right away. Doctors are also likely to miss common signs, as they overlap with many other medical conditions and illnesses.

While it is up to your medical staff to identify symptoms and provide treatments, being proactive about your care is also beneficial. Here are some health effects to look for if you suspect kidney disease.

Skin issues

Functioning kidneys ensure the right balance of minerals and nutrients within your body. When this balance is off, you may experience puzzling skin issues. This includes intense dryness and itchiness in advanced stages of kidney disease.

Puffiness around the eyes

When kidneys function abnormally, they expel protein via urination instead of keeping it in the body. Puffy, swollen eyes are a sign of protein loss. Puffiness will occur consistently, regardless of how much rest you get or the quality of your sleep.

Increased fatigue

As function declines, the kidneys release toxins into the blood. This leads to extreme tiredness and fatigue with no apparent cause. Kidney disease can also cause anemia, which increases fatigue even further.

Frequent urination

As the filtering ability of the kidneys breaks down, the urge to urinate increases, especially during the night. Foamy urine is another common sign of kidney disease. Foaminess occurs because of an increase in protein within the urine.

Patients should seek out second or even third opinions when receiving insufficient care. Another doctor can shed light on your symptoms and introduce another perspective on your condition and the best course of action to treat it.