The kidneys are the main players on the body’s cleanup team. Not only do they filter your blood, eliminating waste and extra fluid to generate urine, but they also assist in controlling blood pressure, maintaining electrolyte balance, and generating hormones that support strong bones and healthy blood.
Kidney diseases are more common than you might think, including in Africa. A study conducted by Timothy Olusegun Olanrewaju et al. concluded that “CKD and its risk factors are prevalent among middle-aged urban populations in North-Central Nigeria.” Kidney disease can sneak up on you and gradually harm you without you realizing it. And if left unchecked, it can lead to kidney failure.
Different Kinds of Kidney Failure
Kidney failure can be classified into two primary categories: acute and chronic.
- An abrupt and quick decrease in kidney function is referred to as acute kidney failure. If treatment is delayed, the accumulation of waste products and fluid in the body could be fatal due to this abrupt loss of function. When treated quickly, acute kidney failure can usually be reversed. It usually happens unexpectedly and is frequently caused by dehydration or serious infections.
- Chronic kidney failure, commonly known as chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a long-term disorder in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to operate normally. The loss in kidney function is usually slow and cumulative, lasting months or years. Chronic kidney failure develops as a result of illnesses such as high blood pressure or diabetes, necessitating continuing treatment.
Early Warning Signs of Kidney Failure
Your body may give you a couple of early warning signs that something is wrong. Let’s explore these signs.
Changes in Urine
- Frequency: Changes in urine frequency may indicate kidney problems.
- Urgency: Feeling like you need to urinate every minute.
- Appearance: Keep an eye on the color; anything too dark or hazy could spell concern. Is there blood or foam in your urine? It is definitely worth a closer look. If you experience pain or a burning sensation while urinating, this is also a red flag.
Fluid Retention
- Swelling: If your hands, feet, ankles, or cheeks begin to swell up uncontrollably, it may indicate that your kidneys aren’t properly eliminating extra fluid from your body.
- Puffiness around the eyes: Have you ever woken up with persistent bags beneath your eyes? Kidney problems can be the cause.
- Breathlessness: If you feel as though you are having trouble breathing, particularly after not straining yourself, it may be due to a build-up of fluid in your lungs.
Some general symptoms associated with kidney failure:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Dry and itchy skin
- Trouble sleeping and difficulty concentrating
Other advanced symptoms include:
- Severe disorientation or mental changes: Sudden confusion or drastic changes in mental state may indicate a significant problem.
- Chest pain or pressure: This could indicate a cardiac condition or a blood clot, both of which require immediate medical attention.
- Unexplained weight gain or loss: A physician should look into sudden changes in weight that don’t have a known reason.
- Abnormally high bleeding or bruises: These may indicate a significant blood problem.
- High fever: A persistently high fever may be a sign of an infection or another illness that needs to be treated right away.
Early diagnosis increases treatment options and improves factors that predict outcome. Ignoring kidney problems might result in fatal consequences and other serious issues. Do not wait to consult a physician if you observe any symptoms.
Conclusion
It’s important to remain mindful of kidney health and get care as soon as possible. Visit websites for kidney disease groups or your local healthcare professionals for additional information and assistance.
