Located below the rib cage, the kidneys play an important role in maintaining overall health. The kidneys are responsible for removing excess fluid, regulating electrolyte levels, increasing red blood cells, controlling body pressure, and promoting bone health. Recognizing the symptoms of kidney damage and understanding the difference between kidney damage and failure is critical to maintaining optimal health. This article examines the common symptoms of kidney damage and highlights the importance of kidney health.
Symptoms of kidney damage:
- Changes in urination:
- A change in the nature of urine is a common symptom of kidney damage. It includes:
- The urine is pale.
- Increased frequency and volume of urine.
- Urinary foam.
- Dark urine.
- The amount of urine decreases.
- Urgent urination at night.
- Increased pressure during urination.
- Swelling:
- Due to kidney damage, excess fluid accumulates and edema occurs. Swelling may occur in the face, joints, and legs.
- Metallic taste in the mouth:
- Accumulation of waste products in the blood leads to changes in the taste and breath of metals. Severe kidney damage can cause changes in the sense of taste or loss of appetite.
- Fatigue:
- Healthy kidneys produce the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which is essential for the production of red blood cells. Kidney damage can cause a drop in red blood cells, fatigue, weakness, and muscle damage.
- Pain:
- Pain in the upper back where the kidneys are located is a common symptom of kidney damage. This pain may be due to kidney infection or stones.
- Shortness of breath:
- Kidney damage leads to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, thereby reducing the oxygen supply to the body. This causes shortness of breath due to low oxygen levels.
- Loss of concentration, dizziness:
- Inadequate oxygen supply to the brain due to severe anemia and kidney failure can cause difficulty concentrating, memory loss, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.
- Rash:
- Waste products in the blood are exposed and lead to skin problems such as itching and rashes. Proper internal care is necessary to eliminate these symptoms.
