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7 Telltale Signs of Kidney Disease

7 Telltale Signs of Kidney Disease

When your kidneys aren’t working as they should, it can lead to severe complications and even early death. If you have chronic kidney disease, early diagnosis is key to controlling your condition and preventing it from progressing further.

Chronic kidney disease is difficult to diagnose, so Thomas Nguyen, MD and the whole team at Nguyen Medical Group in Boynton Beach, Florida, encourage you to look out for the symptoms to get a diagnosis as early as possible. Keep reading to find out about seven of the top telltale signs of kidney disease.

Understanding chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease causes your kidneys to stop functioning properly. When you have chronic kidney disease, your body has a difficult time filtering out waste from your body.

As a progressive condition, chronic kidney disease gets worse over time unless you get early treatment that halts or slows the progression. Over time, you can develop complications like kidney failure, high blood pressure, anemia, and nerve damage.

The top 7 signs of kidney disease

As chronic kidney disease progresses, it can cause a number of symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms, our team can screen you for kidney disease or perform regular screenings if they determine you to be at high risk.

1. You’re sick to your stomach

Chronic kidney disease can cause you to feel nauseated. You might also experience vomiting.

2. You feel more tired than usual

Fatigue is a common symptom of kidney disease. You might feel like you have less overall energy and more difficulty sleeping at night. You’re also more likely to develop anemia.

3. You’re cramping, aching, and swollen

Chronic kidney disease can make your muscles feel cramped and achy, especially at night. You can get swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands and itchy, puffy skin.

4. Your urine has changed

Urine can appear darker or bloody when you have chronic kidney disease. You might be able to urinate less on each occasion, leading to more frequent urination, especially during the night.

5. You’re less hungry

Reduced or complete loss of appetite can be a symptom of chronic kidney disease.

6. You have other chronic conditions

If you have chronic kidney disease, you’re more likely to develop other conditions, including high blood pressure.

7. You aren’t focusing well

Chronic kidney disease can cause mental fatigue and more difficulty concentrating, especially in the later stages of the disease.

Diagnosing and treating chronic kidney disease

Our team recommends you get a screening for chronic kidney disease if you have any of the symptoms. In addition, they might recommend regular diagnostic screenings if you’re at high risk for chronic kidney disease.

You could be at high risk for chronic kidney disease if you have chronic health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. A family history of kidney failure, being older, and coming from an African American, Hispanic, Native American, or Asian American background also increases your likelihood of developing the condition.

Our team aims to detect chronic kidney disease as early as possible to limit the damage to your kidneys. Treatments include a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and chronic disease management support at Nguyen Medical Group.

For management or diagnosis of chronic kidney disease, contact our team today to schedule your appointment.

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