Poor kidney health can create a variety of problems for the body. The kidneys are vital organs that filter waste and excess fluid. Additionally, the kidneys regulate mineral and vitamin levels, help the body produce red blood cells, and help maintain blood pressure. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, it can lead to severe health issues.
Thankfully, there are various preventive measures to help identify diseases in their earliest stages so they can be treated. Preventive care enables patients to receive the highest level of care, education, and solutions to lead fulfilling lives.
Stages of Kidney Disease
The first stage of kidney disease may reveal protein or blood in the urine or kidney stones. Those with stage 2 kidney disease may not experience any symptoms. Stage 3 is divided into two groups, referred to as stage 3a and stage 3b.
Stage 3a is a mild-to-moderate loss of kidney function. When progressed to stage 3b, symptoms consist of difficulty concentrating, numbness in the limbs, loss of appetite, or peeing more than usual. With stage 4, people have the highest risk of heart disease. In addition to this, stage 4 kidney disease has more noticeable symptoms, including bad breath, cramping, vomiting, or shortness of breath.
Stage 5 of kidney disease is known as kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease. To survive, many individuals require a kidney transplant. Common symptoms of stage 5 include dry skin, swelling, and fatigue. There is also a risk of complications, including bone disorders, anemia, or high potassium.
Effects of Poor Kidney Function
Chronic kidney disease and other kidney health problems can result in overall poor health. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the general population is estimated at 10% to 14%. Chronic kidney disease affects various aspects of an individual’s health.
Some of the specific ways kidney disease affects a person’s health include the following:
- Anemia
- Blood pressure
- Cognitive function
- Cardiovascular health
- Bone metabolism
In addition to the symptoms associated with kidney damage, patients with kidney disease can experience a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Sleeping problems
- Loss of appetite
- Muscle cramps
- Persistent itchy skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Low urine output
- Weakness
- Decreased mental sharpness
- Hypertension
- Swelling of the feet and ankles
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Skin pigmentation
- Muscle twitches
- Clinical depression
- Cognitive decline
When the kidneys fail to operate correctly, it can negatively affect the entire body. Since kidneys are required to function, when they suffer, the rest of the body feels the impact.
The Cause of Kidney Damage
Conditions such as diabetes or uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to kidney damage. Additionally, kidney damage can be caused by obesity, smoking, or autoimmune disorders such as lupus.
Kidneys can be damaged in several ways, such as the following:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hereditary or cystic diseases
- Hypertension
- Primary glomerulonephritis
- Secondary glomerulonephritis or vasculitis
- Sickle cell nephropathy
In addition to the above, poor kidney function can result from disease processes in three categories: prerenal, intrinsic renal, and postrenal.
Treatment for Your Kidneys
If you or a loved one suffers from kidney disease, consider finding a specialist who can perform exams, determine the cause of injury, and provide you with a diagnosis. With professional care, experts can assist you and offer relief during the stage of kidney disease.
Victor Gura, M.D., is a board-certified kidney specialist and internist. Schedule an appointment with our kidney specialist today and learn more about how kidney function can impact your overall health.