How to Know If You Have Kidney Disease

Many people are living with kidney disease and don't even know it. Some of the earliest symptoms of kidney disease may look like symptoms of a variety of other illnesses. So, how do you know if you have kidney disease? To find out let's take a look at some of the earliest signs of kidney disease.

Instructions

• 1

  You notice changes in urination.
  This can present itself as anything from urinating more often to less often or even having blood in your urine.

• 2

  You are tired all the time.
  Failing kidneys do not produce enough of a hormone that triggers the body to produce red blood cells. Without enough red blood cells you can become anemic which results in extreme fatigue.

• 3

  You have swelling in one or several areas of your body.
  Healthy kidneys remove fluid build-up from your body. When this fails to occur the excess fluid can cause swelling.

• 4

  You have a rash or itching.
  The kidney's failure to remove waste from the blood stream can cause severe itching.

• 5

  You notice a metallic taste in your mouth.
  This is one of the earliest signs of kidney disease that is also the result of waste build-up in the blood.

• 6

  You experience nausea and/or vomiting.
  This, again, is the result of waste build-up in the blood stream.

• 7

  You are cold all the time.
  People with anemia may feel cold all the time, even in a warm atmosphere.

• 8

  You find yourself out of breath.
  This earliest sign of kidney disease can be the result of anemia and/or fluid build-up in the lungs.

• 9

  You have pain in your lower back and/or sides.
  This is where the kidneys are located. Some forms of kidney disease may cause cysts to form on the kidneys which can be painful.

• 10

  You get dizzy often.
  This can be the result of anemia which causes a lack of oxygen in the brain.

• 11

  Many of the earliest signs of kidney disease are also symptoms of other illnesses as well. If you suspect that you may have kidney disease, the only way to know for sure is to see your doctor for tests.