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Kidney Function Decline… Don’t Ignore the Silent Signals
The kidneys are among the most vital organs in the human body. They filter waste and toxins from the blood, regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, and play a role in controlling blood pressure and producing essential hormones.
Despite this crucial role, kidney diseases often progress silently, without clear symptoms in the early stages.
This is why it’s important to recognize the early warning signs, as early diagnosis can make a big difference in treatment and help prevent serious complications such as complete kidney failure.
🔍 Key Symptoms That Indicate Declining Kidney Function:
1️⃣ Swelling in the Feet or Face
When kidney function declines, the body retains excess fluids, which can cause:
Swelling in the feet and ankles
Puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning
Tight shoes or rings due to fluid retention
2️⃣ General Fatigue and Weakness
Declining kidney function reduces the production of erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. This leads to:
Anemia
Persistent fatigue and dizziness
Difficulty concentrating
3️⃣ Changes in Urine Amount or Color
One of the early signs may include:
Unusual increase or decrease in urine output
Dark-colored, foamy, or bloody urine
4️⃣ High Blood Pressure
The kidneys help regulate blood pressure. When they are not functioning properly:
Chronic hypertension may develop
Blood pressure might become resistant to medications
5️⃣ Loss of Appetite and Nausea
Toxin buildup due to reduced kidney filtration can cause:
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
A metallic taste in the mouth or bad breath
6️⃣ Itchy Skin
High levels of phosphorus and urea in the blood may lead to:
Severe itching, especially at night
Itching can affect the whole body
7️⃣ Shortness of Breath
In advanced kidney failure:
Fluid may accumulate in the lungs
Anemia can also lead to frequent shortness of breath
🧪 When Should You See a Doctor?
If you experience one or more of these symptoms, don’t delay. It’s recommended to perform simple tests such as:
Creatinine blood test
Blood urea test
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
Complete urine analysis
These tests help doctors assess kidney health and determine the appropriate next steps.
💡 Final Tip
Don’t wait for symptoms to become obvious—especially if you have:
Diabetes
High blood pressure
A family history of kidney disease
Regular checkups and early screening are your first line of defense to protect your kidneys.
📌 Your health starts with awareness—don’t ignore the messages your body is sending.
📚 References
Brenner & Rector’s The Kidney, 9th & 10th eds.
Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology, 6th ed.
Levey et al., Annals of Internal Medicine, 2003.
National Kidney Foundation Guidelines, 2002.
Jha et al., The Lancet, 2013.
