Top 5 Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Your kidneys provide a variety of critical functions for your body, including filtering your blood, maintaining the proper balance of electrolytes, regulating blood pressure, and even creating Vitamin D. The kidneys are so important, in fact, that you have two just in case one fails. Kidney disease is the ninth leading cause of death in the U.S.

There are dozens of symptoms of kidney disease. But common symptoms can indicate the presence of any one of hundreds of different diseases, so rather than listing all of the possible symptoms of kidney disease, we will focus on five of the more unique symptoms that could indicate the presence of kidney problems. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a medical professional as soon as possible to rule out other possible causes.

1. Reduced urine output or no urine output at all
Since urine is excreted through the kidneys, a kidney blockage could cause the kidneys to become backed up, reducing their ability to filter the blood and perform other important functions. Reduced urine output can also be a sign of dehydration, which can be life-threatening. If you have a sudden drop in urine output, call or visit a doctor immediately.

2. Anemia
Kidney malfunction can throw the delicate balance of hormones and minerals out of balance, and this can cause anemia. Anemia is a decrease in hemoglobin, a substance in blood which carries oxygen to cells. Without a good oxygen supply, death becomes imminent. Typical signs of anemia are fainting, extreme fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations (very fast heartbeat or heart skipping a beat), and extreme sleepiness.

3. Unexplained nausea or vomiting.
If your kidney function drops, waste material can build up in the blood and hormones may fall out of balance. This can result in nausea or vomiting.

4. Back pain just below the rib cage.
A kidney blockage can caused increased pressure in the kidneys, which could be painful. If the pain is one-sided, it is more likely that one kidney

5. Bone pain, muscle weakness, or increased incidence of infections and flu
Poor kidney function can result in decreased levels of Vitamin D, a critical ingredient for strong bones and muscles. Normally, as your skin is exposed to sunlight, your kidneys use the ultraviolet light to generate Vitamin D. Lack of Vitamin D can result in immune deficiency, bone weakness, and loss of muscle tone.

If you experience any of the above symptoms, or suspect you may have kidney disease, simple blood tests can tell your doctor definitively whether you have kidney disease. Early detection can save your kidneys by allowing you to start treatment, avoiding costly and dangerous disease progression and the need for a transplant.