The signs are only obvious once you know what you’re looking for – and there are a few lesser known ones
Most of us will brush off an ache or pain as nothing to be overly concerned about. However, there are some subtle signs you might easily ignore, which could mean facing something critical.
Kidneys perform a vital function throughout our body. They’re the organs located just below the ribs that filter out waste from the blood, regulate blood pressure, and produce important hormones that keep our body in balance.
Once your kidneys dip below 15% of their proper function, they are considered to be failing. However, you can spot signs of a struggle before this permanently damaging point occurs.
The warnings can be both obvious and subtle. But it’s important to notice them all and seek medical attention if you’re concerned about recent changes to your body.
A major red flag is linked to how often you’re going to the toilet – and what’s coming out. The biggest sign of failing kidneys is poor urine output because the organs are struggling to keep up with the demands of your body. You might also notice traces of blood when you manage to go to the toilet.
The kidneys also regulate the amount of fluid that’s in our body at any one time – hence why it’s responsible for flushing out waste when we go to the toilet. But, if its not able to keep a balance on what’s flowing through our body, it can lead to some swollen body parts – including the ankles, hands and feet – due to water retention.
You might also feel physically out of breath – even if you’re not doing anything to directly cause it like heavy exercise. But, beyond these signs, there are more subtle indicators you’re heading into dangerous territory.
Experiencing itchy skin, which might, at first, seem unrelated to your kidneys, but it’s possibly due to them not managing the levels of parathyroid hormones in your body. This important hormone can result in itching if the body can’t flush out the excess.
Some people may even notice that their sense of taste changes when they’re unknowingly experiencing kidney failure. Research has shown that an imbalance of electrolytes in the body can alter the perception of taste to something metallic.
Kidney failure can be caused by several health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney inflammation. It can also be caused by certain medications, genetic conditions, and urinary tract issues. If you are concerned about your health, speak with your GP. In an emergency, dial 999 and immediately seek medical attention.
