Kidney Damage Starts Silently: Early Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
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Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) often begins silently—many people don’t realize their kidneys are being damaged until the condition has progressed. The kidneys are resilient organs and may compensate for damage until it’s severe. However, some early signs and symptoms can act as warning signals.
Early Signs of Kidney Damage
Early Signs of Kidney Damage
1. Frequency Urination, Especially at Night
• You may feel the urge to urinate more often, particularly at night, due to reduced kidney function affecting fluid balance.
2. Foamy or Bubbly Urine
• Protein in urine (proteinuria), It is a sign that the kidneys’ filtering system is damaged.
3. Swelling (Edema) in Feet, Ankles, or Face
• Damaged kidneys cannot remove excess sodium and water, leading to fluid buildup.
4. Persistent Fatigue or Weakness
• A decrease in red blood cell production (due to less erythropoietin from the kidneys) can lead to anemia and fatigue.
5. Loss of Appetite or Metallic Taste in Mouth
• Waste build-up in the blood can cause a bad taste, nausea, or vomiting.
6. Itchy, Dry Skin
• Imbalance of minerals and nutrients and buildup of toxins can cause chronic itching.
7. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
• Uncontrolled BP damages kidney blood vessels over time.
8. Concentration and Memory Issues
• Accumulation of waste can affect cognitive function, leading to brain fog or difficulty concentrating.
9. Back Pain (Flank Pain)
• While not common in early CKD, pain in the back or side can be associated with kidney infection or stones.
10. Puffiness Around the Eyes
This is the Indication of Proteinuria