Kidney-related diseases frequently manifest silently, with few to no symptoms in the beginning. It is therefore essential to be able to identify early warning signals in order to identify and treat them before they develop into more severe consequences.

"The subtle warning signals of kidney illness tend to be missed or mistaken with other common ailments," Dr. Mohit Khirbat, nephrology consultant at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, said in an interview with an Lifestyle Magazine. In particular, chronic kidney disease (CKD) might go unnoticed for years. Early identification of the symptoms can have a major impact on slowing its course.

The early warning signals of renal disorders that we shouldn't ignore were shared by Dr. Mohit Khirbat:

1. Ongoing fatigue or a lack of vitality:

Waste products begin to accumulate in the blood as kidney function deteriorates. The effect may include fatigue, low energy, and difficulty focusing. Anemia, which exacerbates weariness and breathlessness even with modest exertion, can also result from reduced erythropoietin production, a hormone produced by the kidneys that helps in the synthesis of red blood cells. Patients frequently dismiss this as a symptom of aging or as typical weariness.

2. Noticeable alterations in urination:

The first signs of kidney problems are often changes in your urination. These might include nighttime urination (nocturia), foamy or bubbly urine (protein loss), hematuria (blood in urine), or urine that is darkly colored. These modifications may seem minor or temporary, but they could be evidence of a developing kidney problem that needs to be investigated.

3. Swelling in the lower limbs or around the eyes:

Fluid retention, which can show up as swelling in the eyes, ankles, or feet, may be a sign of reduced renal function. This occurs when the kidneys stop filtering out extra salt and water effectively. Despite the common misconception that prolonged standing or eating causes such swelling, it may actually be an early indicator of kidney problems.

4. Unidentified rashes or itchy skin:

Recurring itchiness that doesn't have a clear dermatological cause is probably caused by a buildup of waste and mineral imbalances like calcium and phosphorus. Chronic itchiness and flaky skin might be signs of underlying kidney dysfunction that should be taken seriously. Read as well | Do you take too much paracetamol? According to a urologist, it may raise the risk of kidney cancer; be aware of these 10 common behaviors to avoid.

5. Nausea, a metallic flavor, or a reduced appetite:

Toxins build up in the blood as kidney function worsens, which has an effect on the digestive system. Nausea, a metallic taste in the mouth, foul breath (uremic fetor), and a loss of appetite may result from this. Because these symptoms are often mistaken for typical gastrointestinal disorders, there are delays in receiving the correct diagnosis and therapy.

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