7 Troubling Signs Of Serious Issues With Your Kidneys To Pay Attention To

July 10, 2018

The importance of kidneys in your body’s system cannot be underestimated. These two bean-shaped organs located on either side of your spine, below your ribs, are only 4 to 5 inches long, but their job is much bigger than their size – they filter your blood. These two brothers-workaholics remove wastes and control your body’s proper fluid balance. Did you know that all of your blood passes through them at several times a day?

7 symptoms of problems with your kidneys

There are dozens of kidneys conditions, and rather than learning all of them, it is best to learn a few symptoms and signs that can indicate issues with your kidneys. In case of noticing the following ones, it is highly recommended to visit your doctor.

1. Ammonia breath

Kidneys produce urine, so when the organs are damaged and cannot perform their function properly, a person may experience ammonia breath and a specific metallic taste in their mouth. This is one of the earliest signs of kidney issues.

2. Changes in urination

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Similar to the previous symptom, the amount, frequency, or color may change due to kidney disease. Also, a person may experience the urge to urinate but is unable to do it. Pressure or pain during voiding can also be present, which can signal about urinary tract infection.

3. Pain in the back

Another common symptom of issues with the kidneys is a pain. This pain is typically localized deeper in the back, below your ribs. It can be one-sided if only one kidney is damaged. The kidney pain usually hard to distinguish, but you can be sure that the pain caused by kidney stones is one of the most severe types of pain you could imagine.

4. Blood in urine

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If you noticed blood in your urine, it is important to visit your doctor and have a test to determine the cause of it. Blood in urine almost certainly signals about serious and even life-threatening issues with your health!

5. Swelling

Kidneys remove wastes with excess fluids. If they fail to do their job, a person can experience swelling, primarily in feet, ankles, face, and hands.

6. Anemia

Kidney disease prevents kidneys from producing erythropoietin, a special hormone that promotes the formation of red blood cells. This, in turn, leads to anemia, which results in reduced oxygenation of the body. Anaemia also can cause dizziness and troubles with concentration due to the brain receiving not enough oxygen. People with anemia often feel tired and cold, even when it’s warm.

7. Nausea and vomiting

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Due to the buildup of toxins in the body, people may experience different signs of indigestion, including nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, etc. This toxins and wastes can also cause skin rashes or itching.

How to prevent kidney conditions?

You cannot live without kidneys. Therefore, it is in your best interest to keep them healthy, so that they could do their job properly.

Doctors recommend the following tips to maintain the health of your kidneys:

Stay hydrated. (Drink just enough water: 6 to 8 glasses a day.)
Lead a healthy diet.
Exercise regularly at least 30 minutes a day.
Don’t abuse vitamins, supplements, or over-the-counter meds, as they can harm your kidneys.
Quit smoking and avoid alcohol consumption.

If you have any question regarding your kidneys or if you have noticed the symptoms, it is best to consult with your GP. Don’t self-medicate and self-diagnose. Take care and stay healthy!

Source: Mercola, KidneyTreatment, PositiveHealthWellness

This article is solely for informational purposes. Do not self-diagnose or self-medicate, and in all cases consult a certified healthcare professional before using any information presented in the article. The editorial board does not guarantee any results and does not bear any responsibility for any harm that may result from using the information provided in the article.