8 Complications Of Kidney Disease
The proper functioning of the body is ensured by the kidneys, but they can be affected by various problems and diseases. In today’s article we present some possible complications of kidney disease.
The kidneys have the role of filtering waste from the blood and evacuating it from the body through urine. On average, they are 30 centimeters long and can process up to 190 liters of blood a day, removing about two liters of water.
These organs play an important role in regulating blood pressure, but also in the production of certain hormones, essential for our general well-being.
However, an excess of toxins can affect the functioning of the kidneys, causing serious health problems.
The main complications of kidney disease
It is worrying that kidney disease is either asymptomatic or causes symptoms caused by many other diseases.
To give you a helping hand, below we present some complications of kidney disease that deserve all your attention. Remember!
1. More or less frequent urination
When the kidneys get sick, our urination habits change. The need to urinate constantly or, on the contrary, much less often than usual may indicate that these organs are not functioning optimally.
2. Changes in the appearance of urine
Changing the color, smell or texture of urine are signs of an irregularity in the kidneys. Go to the doctor immediately if you notice that your urine is yellower than usual, has traces of blood or emits a very unpleasant odor.
Although the above symptoms may indicate the presence of a urinary tract infection, it is good to do the necessary medical investigations to rule out the possibility of a more serious illness.
3. Water retention
Because these organs regulate fluid levels in the body, a kidney problem can cause water retention or edema.
As the kidneys lose their ability to filter fluids and waste, inflammatory processes in the body are interrupted, which leads to swelling in the face, legs, ankles and more.
4. Increased fatigue
The kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, which helps create red blood cells. This means that these organs play an important role in transporting oxygen to the cells in the body. Therefore, a kidney problem can cause constant anemia and fatigue.
If the cells do not receive a sufficient amount of oxygen, various symptoms appear such as dizziness, increased fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
5. Back or kidney pain
Patients with kidney problems, especially the elderly, feel pain in the lower back or near the area where the kidneys are located.
Although pain can be caused by a muscle problem, sometimes it also indicates the presence of kidney disease. Kidney stones and urinary tract infections can cause acute back pain, which radiates to the pelvic area.
6. An unusual taste in the mouth
When a kidney disease is present, toxins accumulate in the blood. As a result, you may experience bad breath and a metallic taste in your mouth.
Some people lose their appetite or eat less at all meals.
7. Eruptions
Although many people do not know this, the health of the skin also depends on a sufficient supply of oxygen and optimal cleansing of the blood.
If the kidneys stop filtering the waste, rashes or other dermatological problems can occur. Sometimes they can be accompanied by itching and allergies.
8. Hypertension
This problem can be caused by many factors that affect the arteries and the cardiovascular system.
Among other things, water and sodium retention can cause a considerable increase in blood pressure. But chronic kidney failure and glomerulonephritis increase the risk of developing this health problem.
Hypertension can also occur as a result of a condition called renal artery stenosis. This is caused by the partial blockage of the renal artery, which carries blood to the kidneys.
Do any of the 8 kidney disease complications listed above affect you? See a doctor as soon as possible to find out if there is an irregularity or not.
