Do I Have Kidney Disease?

"Hmm." That's basically what I heard doctors say for years, just after they told me my bloodwork came back from the lab showing "a little" protein or blood in my urine and a "slightly high" BUN (blood urea nitrogen) reading. "Hmm," as in "I don't know what that result means for you, exactly, but I wouldn't worry about it right now."

So, I didn't worry. After all, I have a severe and chronic systemic inflammatory disease --- I had a lot of other stuff to worry about! But over the years, let's just say I've learned that protein in the urine and elevated BUN can be a sign of kidney disease. Chronic kidney disease, according to the National Institutes of Health, is "a slowly worsening loss of the ability of the kidneys to remove wastes, concentrate urine, and conserve electrolytes." What are the common major signs and symptoms of kidney disease?

Blood and urine tests

The National Kidney Foundation explains that the "presence of albumin (a type of body protein) in the urine is the first sign of kidney disease, even before abnormalities in blood are found. Albumin in your urine may also be an early sign of changes in your blood." Lab tests for kidney function also include measuring BUN and GFR, which is the "glomeruler filtration rate." (Remember: the primary function of the kidneys is to filter out wastes.)

Blood tests also can show anemia. According to Life Options, anemia may be a sign of reduced kidney function. Sometimes anemia makes a person feel cold all the time. So if you find yourself feeling unusually cold, even in a warm room, it may be worthwhile to talk to your doctor about anemia, or to mention this cold feeling when you discuss kidney function.

Changes in urine or urination

You may urinate more or less frequently, with more or less volume. Urine may become dark or pale, foamy or cloudy. In other words, changes in urine or urination can be in any "direction." What is important to look out for is the change itself. Especially if other symptoms of kidney disease are present, a urinary tract infection should be ruled out.

Swelling and edema

Swelling of legs, feet, and even of hands and the face can signal kidney problems. Net Wellness states that edema is "a sign of fluid buildup that can occur in several conditions, most commonly in heart failure. However, it often is the first sign of protein leakage from the kidneys." Fluid build-up can even lead to trouble catching your breath. This is because "extra fluid in the body can build up in the lungs."

The kidneys are highly adaptable

There are many additional signs and symptoms of kidney disease, such as high blood pressure, nausea or vomiting, itchy skin, frequent hiccups, pain, dizziness and malaise. According to the Mayo Clinic, "chronic kidney failure can be difficult for you or your doctor to detect initially." Moreover, "because your kidneys are highly adaptable and able to compensate for lost function, signs and symptoms of chronic kidney failure may not appear until irreversible damage has occurred." For more on common signs and symptoms of kidney disease, click on the links below.

More B. A. Rogers: Chronic Kidney Disease: Improve Kidney Function with Baking Soda and Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fatigue, Exhaustion, Listlessness: It Actually is in Your Head.

Sources:

"Chronic Renal Failure," Medline Plus, National Institutes of Health.

Laura Byham-Gray, "Keeping in Control: Lowering Your Risk for Kidney and Heart Disease," National Kidney Foundation.

"10 Symptoms of Kidney Disease," Lifeoptions.

"Kidney Diseases; Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Disease," Net Wellness.

"Kidney Failure, Chronic," Mayo Clinic.