The two bean-shaped organs located just below the rib cage on each side of the spine are your kidneys. Everyday, they cleanse and filter the body about 120 to 150 quarts of blood to produce urine, which composed of the wastes and extra fluid in the body.
The kidneys perform a vital role in removing waste products from the blood and regulating water fluid levels.
When the kidneys are no longer functional, your health is in serious danger and dialysis becomes necessary. That is why it is necessary to recognize these signs and symptoms that may indicate you have kidney damage.
1. Urination changes
The early indicators that may signal that you have a kidney damage is when you experience these signs while urinating.
- Trouble urinating
- Pressure while urinating
- Dark colored, less frequent urination in small amounts
- Pale urine color, frequently urinating in large amounts
- Foamy urine
- Unexplained frequent urination in the middle of the night
2. Swelling
When kidneys malfunction, it will result in the inability to eliminate excess fluids in the body. This will cause swelling in the face, joints, and limbs. Unexpected swelling may indicate kidney failure.
3. Skin Rashes
The waste buildup in the body can be linked to kidney failure which causes skin rashes and severe itching. When wastes are not excreted and accumulate in the blood, it makes the skin dry, dull and irritated. Using anti-itch creams and lotions can relieve your skin problem, but it will not treat the underlying cause which is kidney failure.
4. Fatigue
Erythropoietin, a hormone that makes more red blood cells is produced by a healthy kidney which brings oxygen to where it is needed. Lowered red blood cells can cause fatigue and it can have an impact on the brain and muscles of the body. Eventually, it can result to anemia.
5. Shortness of breath
As a result of lowered red blood cells, the body will also lack oxygen since these are the ones that carry oxygen to the blood. The amount of these blood cells is largely affected by harmful buildups in the lungs.
6. Metallic taste in the mouth
The waste that was accumulated in the blood may change the taste of food and can even cause bad breath. A severe change in food preferences and poor appetite may indicate kidney damage.
7. Pain
Kidney damage is accompanied with ache in the upper back or in the same area as where the kidneys are located. Pain and spasms can be triggered even more by infections or presence of kidney stones.
8. Dizziness and poor concentration
Kidney damage can cause a decreased flow of oxygen to the brain. This may lead to problems in concentration, dizziness, and even memory loss.
Remember to take care of your kidneys by maintaining a healthy dietary habit and eat foods that are high in antioxidants that will help these organs function properly.
Source: humannhealth
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