March is National Kidney Month, making it the perfect time to talk about one of the hardest-working organs in your body—your kidneys! These bean-shaped powerhouses filter waste, balance fluids, and regulate blood pressure. But when something goes wrong, your kidneys may start sending distress signals. Recognizing the early symptoms of kidney disease can help prevent serious complications down the road.
1. Fatigue and Low Energy
Feeling constantly drained? When your kidneys aren’t filtering waste properly, toxins build up in your blood, leaving you tired, sluggish, and mentally foggy. Anemia (low red blood cell count) is also common with kidney disease, which can worsen fatigue.
2. Changes in Urination
Your kidneys play a direct role in urine production, so pay attention to any unusual changes, such as:
- Frequent urination (especially at night)
- Foamy or bubbly urine, which may indicate excess protein
- Dark, brownish, or red-tinged urine (a possible sign of blood in the urine)
- Decreased urine output despite normal fluid intake
3. Swelling in the Feet, Ankles, or Face
Kidneys help regulate fluid levels, so when they struggle to do their job, excess fluid can pool in your extremities, leading to noticeable swelling (also called edema). This is a common sign of declining kidney function.
4. Persistent Puffiness Around the Eyes
Waking up with puffy eyes? This could be an early clue that protein is leaking into your urine instead of being properly retained in your bloodstream. If your kidneys aren’t filtering properly, they may be letting essential proteins escape.
5. High Blood Pressure
Your kidneys and blood pressure have a close relationship—when one is off balance, the other often follows. Chronic high blood pressure can damage kidney function, and weakened kidneys can contribute to rising blood pressure. If your readings are consistently high, it’s worth a discussion with your doctor.
6. Loss of Appetite and Nausea
As kidney function declines, waste products build up in the blood, which can lead to loss of appetite, nausea, and even vomiting. If eating seems unappealing or you’ve noticed unexpected weight loss, it might be time to check in with your healthcare provider.
7. Muscle Cramps and Restless Legs
Low kidney function can disrupt electrolyte balances, leading to painful muscle cramps, restless legs at night, and twitching muscles. If you’re waking up with charley horses or struggling with leg discomfort, your kidneys may be struggling to keep minerals like calcium, potassium, and sodium in check.
8. Don’t Ignore the Signs—Take Action Early
Kidney disease can progress silently, so early detection is key. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, talk to your doctor about getting tested.
For patients with chronic kidney disease, incontinence, or post-surgical needs, America’s Best Care Plus offers a variety of intermittent catheters and medical supplies to make life easier. Contact us today to learn more about our hassle-free supply programs!