Kidneys are the organs responsible to filter waste products present in the blood. They also help in regulating blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and red blood cell production in the body.
But when you are diagnosed with a kidney disease, there would be altered kidney function and if the kidneys continue to lose function it would most likely lead to kidney damage.
People who have chronic kidney disease are usually unaware that they already have it because the early signs can be very subtle. It can take many years to go from chronic kidney disease (CKD) to kidney failure.
Some people are not familiar with the subtle signs and symptoms of kidney damage which some usually ignore, but the continued exposure to toxins will unfortunately, compromise your health in an instant. So, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the signs of kidney damage.
Here are the 5 Kidney Damage Symptoms You Are Most Likely to Ignore:
1. LOWER BACK PAIN 
This is one of the earliest and most consistent signs of kidney disease.
2. RASHES, ITCHING, AND DRYNESS
One of the most important roles kidneys have is cleanse the bloodstream from toxins, so when their function is compromised, the accumulation of wastes in your blood can lead to rashes, severe itching, and dryness.
This is another early sign of kidney malfunction that shouldn’t be ignored.
3. CHANGES IN URINARY FUNCTION
Kidneys are also responsible for the secretion of urine, if you have kidney damage, these changes in the urine may occur:
• Blood is present in the urine
• You may feel pressure or have difficulty urinating
• Urine may be foamy or bubbly
• You may start urinating during the night
• You may urinate more frequently, or in greater amounts than usual, with pale urine
• You may urinate less often, or in smaller amounts than usual, with dark colored urine
4. SWELLING IN VARIOUS BODY PARTS
Kidney malfunction results in to extra fluid buildup, which in turn, causes swelling in the face, hands, legs, ankles, and feet. At this point, kidney damage has become much more severe and should be addressed as much as possible.
5. FATIGUE AND WEAKNESS
The hormone erythropoietin, that our kidneys normally produce helps in the creation of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the cells. In kidney damage, red blood cell count continuously decrease leading to anemia.
This insufficient oxygen supply to cells leads to fatigue and general weakness, and should be addressed quickly.
If you have these symptoms, consult your doctor now before it’s too late.
Image Credits: kidneyabc, publications.nigms.nih, crossfitimpulse
