Millions of Americans suffer from chronic kidney disease (CKD), a serious condition that can have long-term, significant effects on their health. While most people associate kidney problems with obvious changes in urination, CKD typically begins with subtle symptoms that are less well-known and therefore harder to spot.
Like most chronic conditions, CKD responds best to early intervention — and that starts with knowing these early signs. In recognition of National Kidney Month, the team at Houston Kidney Specialists Center reviews three lesser-known symptoms that mean it’s time to schedule a kidney evaluation with our specialists.
Feeling tired and worn out isn’t uncommon — in fact, plenty of us feel fatigued from time to time. But when those feelings become persistent or when they occur despite getting plenty of rest, it’s often a sign that something’s wrong, and sometimes, that “something” involves your kidneys.
Your kidneys work to filter wastes, excess fluids, and toxic byproducts from your blood. When they’re compromised, that filtration system breaks down, allowing wastes to build up in your blood and leading to feelings of fatigue.
At the same time, kidney problems increase your risk of anemia, a chronic condition where your body doesn’t produce enough healthy red blood cells — the cells that deliver oxygen to your organs. Without ample red blood cells, oxygen levels decline, making even routine activities feel exhausting.
Having persistent or recurrent low energy should never be ignored. Scheduling an office visit to discuss your concerns is an important first step — many issues can be detected with a simple blood test or other evaluations.
Occasional itching is common and often linked to dry air, allergies, or irritation. But when itching becomes persistent, widespread, or severe — especially without a visible rash — it’s a sign something deeper is going on, and that could mean problems with your kidneys.
As with fatigue, itchy skin happens when waste products build up in your bloodstream instead of being filtered out by your kidneys. These substances can irritate the tiny nerve endings in your skin, triggering irritation and intense, persistent itchiness that can’t be relieved with moisturizer.
Itchy skin is especially concerning when it’s paired with other, more well-known symptoms of kidney problems, such as changes in urination or belly or lower back pain. If itchy skin persists, interferes with sleep, or appears alongside these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a kidney function evaluation right away to prevent more serious complications.
In addition to filtering out waste products, your kidneys also help your body eliminate excess fluid in the form of urine. When your kidney function is compromised, fluids build up, leading to swelling in your face, feet, hands, or ankles.
Swelling can happen any time, but it’s often more noticeable at the end of the day or after long periods of standing or sitting. Kidney problems aren’t the only cause of swelling, but they’re definitely a cause that needs to be considered and evaluated. Early evaluation allows us to provide prompt treatment or rule out kidney issues, so we can look for other causes.
Optimal kidney function is essential for your health, and identifying issues early helps prevent serious and potentially life-threatening complications. If you have risk factors for kidney problems, like a family history of kidney disease, diabetes, or heart disease, having a kidney evaluation is a proactive way to keep your kidneys healthy now and in the future.
If you’re having any unusual symptoms or if you simply want to have your kidneys evaluated to gather baseline information, request an appointment online or over the phone at our practice locations in Cypress and Houston, Texas, today.
