6 Kidney Problems Signs: Signs That Your Kidneys Aren’t Working Properly

Have you ever think about kidney problems signs and symptoms? The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, under the ribs, and behind the abdomen.

The kidneys have a lot of jobs, they filter the blood, remove waste products, regulate the body’s fluid balance, and maintain proper electrolyte levels. All the blood in your body passes through about 40 times a day.

Every day our bodies perform thousands of actions and send tons of messages and signals that we miss or don’t even notice. And the effects of now no longer responding to those alerts may be drastic.

Kidney disorder influences hundreds of thousands of humans in the United States, and there are only some signs that monitor problems with kidneys.

Here is a list of signs which indicate that your kidneys are not running properly. How many have your body been sending to you?

Kidney problems signs: Headaches, fatigue, and general weakness

A healthy, properly functioning kidney helps your body convert vitamin D to maintain strong bones and produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO) that is responsible for the production of red blood cells. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, less EPO is produced. A decrease in the number of red blood cells (which carry oxygen) causes rapid muscle and brain fatigue.

So when you feel weak, exhausted, or have trouble concentrating that’s maybe because your kidneys aren’t working properly and the toxins can build up.

Kidney problems signs: Having back pain

Kidney failure can lead to back pain that is often deep and located just below the rib cage. It may be felt in the front of the groin or hip.

Backache resulting from kidney failure is followed by feeling sick, vomiting, excessive temperature, and common urinating.

if there is any blood present in your urine, you have to check with your doctor. Kidney damage will cause the protein to be leaked into your urine, along with blood cells.

You should have an annual checkup, especially if you have other factors that can contribute to kidney disease, such as diabetes

Kidney problems signs: Experiencing bad breath and metallic taste

When waste builds up in the blood, this is called uremia. Uremia can cause a metallic taste, it changes the taste of food and leaves a metallic taste in the mouth. Having terrible breath is another sign of too many toxins and pollution in the blood. Additionally, you may stop craving meat and lose your appetite in general, which can lead to unhealthy weight loss.

There are many reasons why foods can taste metallic (from allergies to poor oral health). Usually, the metallic taste in the mouth will go away if the suspected cause has been treated. If the taste persists, you should contact your doctor.

Raed also: Oral care habits – mistakes we are doing that destroy our teeth

Kidney problems signs: Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath can be related to the kidneys for many reasons. First, excess fluid in the body can build up in the lungs. And second, anemia (a lack of oxygen-carrying red blood cells) can cause your body to lack oxygen and make it hard to breathe.

There are many reasons for shortness of breath, from kidney failure to asthma, lung cancer, or heart failure. If you notice that you are constantly panting after making very little effort, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Kidney problems signs: Having dry and itchy skin

Healthy kidneys do an excellent job of removing waste and excess fluid from the blood, helping to produce red blood cells, and maintaining the right amount of minerals in your body. Itchy and dry skin signals the kidneys’ inability to maintain the proper balance of minerals and nutrients, which can lead to bone and kidney disease.

If you have dry and itchy skin, try to moisturize more. Remember that before taking an itch medication, consult your doctor. Some medicines contain ingredients that can further damage your kidney function.

Kidney problems signs: Changes in urination

Your kidneys are responsible for producing urine and removing waste.

Frequency, smell, color, and change of urine appearance should not be ignored. Current types of changes include:

Increased urination demand, especially at the night. Anywhere about 4 to 10 times a day is considered normal.

See blood in the urine. Healthy kidneys filter waste products from the blood to make urine, but if the filter fails, blood cells can begin to “leak” into the urine.

Foamy urine. Effervescence in the urine, especially those that require repeated flushing until they disappear, indicates unwanted protein in the urine.

While the focus of this article is primarily on identifying kidney problem signs, it’s essential to remember that life insurance can play a vital role in securing your family’s financial future. Health concerns, such as kidney issues, underscore the importance of adequate life insurance coverage. Having a well-structured life insurance policy ensures that your loved ones are financially protected in the event of unexpected health challenges. It provides peace of mind, knowing that your family’s financial needs will be taken care of should the need arise. So, as you educate yourself about kidney problem signs and seek better health, consider addressing your long-term financial well-being by exploring life insurance options.

Julian M.

J. Miles is a board-certified general medicine physician with over a decade of experience in delivering comprehensive care to individuals of all ages. With a focus on preventive medicine, holistic wellness, and chronic disease management.