The human body consists of five vital organs. These include the heart, brain, liver, kidney, and lungs. 

And like the rest of the body, they too can be affected by disease. Take the kidneys, for example, they can be affected by various conditions such as infections, cysts, and stones.

Chronic kidney disease is a thing as well. Left untreated, it can lead to various complications such as heart disease, bone disease, and anemia.

Want to familiarize yourself with the condition? Find out what some of the warning signs are? If so, be sure to read the rest of the post!

What Is Kidney Disease? 

Kidney disease describes the loss of kidney function—that is, they will lose their ability to filter waste from the blood.

Some of the main causes include high blood pressure, diabetes, infections, and kidney stones. Certain conditions such as polycystic kidney disease can also be inherited.

Tip: Were you recently diagnosed with the condition? You can always hire a disability attorney such as those at Labovick—they can help you obtain your disability benefits.

5 Warning Signs of Kidney Disease 

Many people with kidney disease will not experience any symptoms until the late stages. With that said, there are a few signs that you can watch for. Here are some of them.

1. Blood In Your Urine 

Healthy kidneys will keep blood in the body while filtering waste. If they’re damaged, however, blood cells will be able to leak out into the urine.

Other causes of bloody urine include infection or kidney stones. Rarely, it can also be indicative of tumors.

2. Swollen Feet and Ankles 

Impaired kidney function can lead to sodium retention and fluid build-up. Over time, this can cause your feet and ankles to swell. In some cases, there may also be swelling in your arms.

3. Frequent Urination 

Frequent urination, especially at night, can be indicative of kidney disease. Not only that, but the amount may be greater than usual.

Keep in mind, however, that other conditions such as urinary tract infections may cause similar symptoms.

4. Constant Fatigue

Toxins can easily build up if your kidneys are not functioning properly. This can lead to various symptoms, including fatigue. For example, you might have trouble concentrating during the day.

Not only that, but your kidneys are responsible for making a protein that tells your body to produce red blood cells. If that’s affected, there won’t be as much oxygen going to your brain and muscles.

5. Itchy Skin 

Your kidneys won’t be able to flush out the toxins in your body if they’re damaged. This can lead to mineral and bone disease, which is often associated with dry and itchy skin.

Understanding Kidney Disease 

As you can see, there are several signs of kidney disease that you can watch out for. When in doubt, talk to your doctor—they’ll be able to perform tests to see whether or not your kidneys are affected.

For more articles like this, check out the rest of our blog!