Kidney Failure Symptoms, Early Warning Signs, Causes & Prevention

Kidneys are among the most essential organs in the body, primarily responsible for waste elimination, and they remove waste materials from the body; their health is vital for preventing chronic kidney disease.

Kidneys eliminate waste materials from the body, normalize blood pressure, and aid red blood cell production. These vital organs also help maintain the overall health of the body by regulating the levels of minerals and molecules in the body.

Kidney problems can influence the overall functioning of the body. Early detection of chronic kidney disease can help slow down the progression of the disease and prevent life-threatening complications such as end-stage renal disease.

Kidney damage is classified into five stages, depending on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which assesses the kidney's functioning ability and health status. Being aware of the 5 stages of kidney disease and symptoms of chronic kidney disease CKD can help manage symptoms and prevent further complications.

Typically, the symptoms of chronic kidney disease may depend on the age and gender of the sufferer, along with other health concerns. However, some common symptoms include fatigue, swelling, urine output (more or less), skin problems, digestive issues, etc.

Check out the symptoms of chronic kidney disease as mentioned below, which might help detect and prevent kidney disease :

• Swelling: The most common symptom of kidney-related issues is swelling, and it is wise to consult a kidney specialist if you experience this. As the kidney function declines, it causes fluid retention that leads to swelling in the face, hands, ankles, and feet, and can also result in poor appetite.

• Fatigue: Feeling lethargic is another common symptom of kidney issues, which may include symptoms of a chronic kidney condition. Kidney problems may reduce red blood cell count, which causes anemia and leads to persistent weakness and tiredness.

• Changed Urination: One of the most common signs of kidney damage is changes in urination that include decreased urination, frequent urination, foamy urine, painful urination, or difficult urination.

• Skin Concerns: Abnormal kidney function allows waste material to build up in the body, causing dry and itchy skin.

• Digestive Problems: When your kidneys are not working well, it may cause digestive issues and could be linked to heart disease, nausea, vomiting, and a metallic taste in the mouth.

• Muscle Cramps: Kidney problems may be associated with electrolyte imbalances, causing muscle spasms and muscle cramping.

• Breath Shortness: Kidney dysfunction causes fluid buildup in the body, including the lungs, leading to breathing issues or shortness of breath.

Most people may not experience early signs of kidney problems, and some may experience subtle symptoms that are not easily noticeable; hence, regular blood tests can be crucial. There are 3 key early signs of kidney problems, and you should be aware of these indicators along with risk factors, as they can allow timely diagnosis and treatment, reducing the risk of complications.

• Urination-associated fluctuations: Strong and frequent urge to urinate, reduced urine production (improper filtration by kidneys), foamy or bubble-filled urine (presence of protein in urine), bloody urine, and painful or difficult urination are the earliest signs of kidney-related problems.

• Swelling: Swelling or edema is another common early symptom of kidney dysfunction, potentially leading to complete kidney failure. Reduced or impaired kidney function leads to fluid retention that causes swelling in the face, feet, ankles, and hands.

• Fatigue: Kidney dysfunction can negatively impact the production of red blood cells, which may cause anemia, making you feel weak, lethargic, and tired.

Initially, females may experience very elusive symptoms, including weakness, urination variations, swelling, and skin problems. Detecting the kidney failure symptoms early can help manage symptoms better and improve treatment outcomes.

• Modified urination (increased or decreased urination, cloudy or bloody urine)

• Swelling in the face, eyes, hands, feet, and ankles can indicate kidney issues, often associated with a higher risk of complications.

• Dry and itchy skin

• Nausea, vomiting, and digestive problems

• Appetite changes (quickly feeling full or loss of appetite)

• Painful muscles and muscle cramps

• Shortness of breath

• Reduced cognitive function may also manifest through trouble sleeping and other cognitive issues.

During pregnancy or menopause, kidney disease symptoms in females may be extremely refined and can be overlooked or mistaken for other problems, sometimes necessitating a kidney transplant if the condition worsens. Common symptoms during these phases are swelling, fatigue, urination fluctuations, and nausea. Pregnant women may experience proteinuria, a high risk of preeclampsia, and high blood pressure. Women during menopause may experience sexual impairment or irregular periods.

Kidney disease symptoms in elderly women usually include urination variations, swelling, weakness, nausea, and reduced appetite. However, kidney failure or kidney disease symptoms in females may differ with age, and in elderly women, some symptoms can be easily mistaken for aging.

Moreover, some women may experience severe itching, insomnia, muscle cramps, confusion, and poor concentration. If you are experiencing the symptoms of chronic kidney disease CKD consult your healthcare team, talk to your doctor, and get a kidney function test for a better diagnosis and the right medical advice.

Kidney swelling (hydronephrosis) and skin-related problems may be associated with chronic kidney disease, but liver disease can also contribute to these issues. Visible swelling in the face, hands, and legs occurs as a result of extra fluid buildup in the body due to kidney dysfunction and urinary tract blockages, which may indicate end-stage kidney disease. On the other hand, Skin problems such as rashes, itching, and dry skin can occur due to waste buildup in the blood resulting from improper kidney function.

Kidneys remove waste from the body, and the advanced stage of kidney disease (End-Stage Renal Disease) means the kidneys are unable to function well, which causes a range of devastating symptoms. These are considered end-of-life symptoms, which include severe fatigue, swelling, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite, and reduced cognitive function.

The End-of Life Symptoms of Kidney Disease are:

• Extreme Lethargy and Weakness

• Nausea and Reduced Appetite

• Persistent Swelling

• Breathing difficulty

• Trouble concentrating

• Skin Concerns

• Muscle Cramping and Jerking

• Constant Sleep Instabilities

The progression of advanced-stage kidney disease may also involve persistent difficulty sleeping, muscle cramps, and itching, which can be exacerbated by severe dehydration. In this situation, it is extremely important to manage these severe symptoms to improve the quality of the patient’s life.

Patients suffering from advanced kidney disease may endure for a few days to some weeks without dialysis. However, the survival time without dialysis may vary from patient to patient. Certain factors, including the ability of the remaining kidney function, overall well-being, etc., affect the survival duration.

Kidney damage can be caused by a range of factors, leading to acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease. The most common causes of kidney damage are diabetes (around 30-40% diabetics develop kidney problems), lupus, hypertension, and certain medications.

• Diabetes (High blood sugar levels)

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Glomerulonephritis (inflammation in glomeruli)

• Polycystic kidney disease

• Kidney infections

• Prolonged use of certain medications

• Urinary tract blockages

Many other factors, such as heart conditions, obesity, smoking, family history of kidney disease, and age, can also contribute to kidney damage.

Early stages of kidney disease may or may not involve visible symptoms, making it challenging to detect the condition. As the disease grows, patients may experience significant symptoms including fatigue, swelling, urination changes, and high blood pressure. If these symptoms persist, it's time to consult your healthcare provider for accurate guidance.

Early symptoms of kidney problems that are usually subtle or absent include variations in urination, swelling, weakness, lethargy, and high blood pressure. On the other hand, the symptoms of advanced kidney disease include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, digestive problems, itchy skin, muscle cramps, sleeping trouble, difficult breathing, easy bruising, and diminished cognitive function.

• Don’t miss out on routine checkups and doctor visits, especially if you are diagnosed with risk factors.

• A urine test (Urinalysis) can detect the presence of blood, protein, and other abnormalities in urine.

• Blood tests can assess creatinine, the waste product that is filtered out by the kidneys.

• The imaging test (Kidney Ultrasound) can evaluate the shape and size of the kidneys.

Risk factor management plays a crucial role in the prevention of chronic kidney failure and acute kidney failure. Common risk factors are high blood pressure, diabetes, and family history; thus, maintaining a healthy weight and incorporating healthy diet and lifestyle habits into your routine can bring significant outcomes.

• Manage diabetes and high blood pressure

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet

• Maintain adequate hydration

• Exercise regularly

• Avoid or quit smoking

• Limit alcohol consumption

• Avoid excessive and prolonged use of OTC painkillers

• Regular health checkups

• Kidney function tests

• Manage your medications under professional guidance

• Consult a dietitian for customized recommendations

Kidney disease involves 5 stages, depending on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which shows the ability of the kidneys to function and may lead to renal failure.

Stage 1: Glomerular filtration rate 90 or above (evident kidney damage)

Stage 2: Glomerular filtration rate 60-80 (evident kidney damage)

Stage 3a: Glomerular filtration rate 45-59 (mildly  reduced kidney function)

Stage 3b: Glomerular filtration rate 30-44 (moderate to severe loss of kidney function)

Stage 4: Glomerular filtration rate 15-29 (severe loss of kidney function)

Stage 5: Glomerular filtration rate below 15 (kidney failure or end-stage renal failure)

People with early stages of kidney disease may not experience any symptoms. It's extremely important to recognize the symptoms and pay attention to the warning signs. The key indicators of kidney problems are swelling around the face, hands, and feet, fatigue, modified urination patterns, and high blood pressure.

Early diagnosis and proper lifestyle modifications can help improve kidney health, prevent disease progression, and associated complications. Usually, kidney damage progresses without involving visible symptoms; thus, regular health checkups are essential for proper disease management and positive outcomes.

***Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphics, and images, is intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice about your condition(s).