Welcome back to the FKP Kidney Health blog. Being aware of chronic kidney disease symptoms and risk factors can help you make well-informed decisions as they relate to your kidney health.
In this post, we’ll address the early warning signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD). These signs include:
- Changes in Urination
- Fatigue and Weakness
- Swelling and Fluid Retention
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria)
- High Blood Pressure
We will also identify high-risk groups so you can determine if you are among one or more. Topics in the second section of this post include:
- Diabetes and CKD
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Age and CKD Risk
- Family History
- Ethnic and Racial Disparities
The blog will conclude by noting how CKD can be detected in its early stages through:
- Regular Check-ups and Screenings
- Awareness and Self-Monitoring
- Proactive Lifestyle Choices
We’re glad you’re here and prepared to learn about chronic kidney disease symptoms and risk factors.
Decoding Chronic Kidney Disease: Recognizing Symptoms and Risk Factors
Our inaugural chronic kidney disease (CKD) post in this blog series offered a comprehensive overview of the disease, and the second post detailed why CKD matters. Welcome to the third post in this ongoing series; in it, we’ll share information about early detection and proactive management of CKD. It’s important to recognize chronic kidney disease symptoms and risk factors so you can heed early warning signs of this progressive disease as well as determine if you belong to any high-risk groups that warrant closer monitoring. From all of us at Florida Kidney Physicians (FKP), thank you for spending time on our blog and allowing us the opportunity to educate you on this and other issues related to your kidney health.
Early Warning Signs of CKD
When your kidneys become impaired due to the development of CKD, your body may send you various warning signs.
- Changes in Urination
One of the most common chronic kidney disease symptoms involves changes in urination. You may notice an increase or decrease in how frequently you urinate, changes in the color of your urine, and foamy/bubbly urine. Take note if you are urinating often at night; National Kidney Foundation (NKF) shares that increased nighttime urination—also known as nocturia—could be indicative of CKD. Any changes in urination patterns should be reported to your doctors at FKP because persistent changes may signify that your kidneys are struggling.
- Fatigue and Weakness
Fatigue and weakness are also indicative of CKD because the more damage your kidneys sustain, the more difficult it will be for your kidneys to produce red blood cells. According to National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), “Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin or EPO, which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells needed to carry oxygen (O2) throughout the body.” If your body is not producing an adequate amount of red blood cells and persistent fatigue begins to interfere with your daily routine, please don’t dismiss this symptom; seek medical attention so you can receive a thorough evaluation.
- Swelling and Fluid Retention
Impaired kidneys don’t balance fluids as well as healthy kidneys. If your body retains extra fluids that your kidneys should be eliminating, you may notice swelling (also known as edema) in your ankles, legs, and/or face. Promptly report unexplained swelling to your care team at FKP so we can assess if your kidneys are sustaining long-term damage.
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria)
Hematuria occurs when you have blood in your urine—blood that is either visible to you or identified via laboratory analysis. Hematuria can sometimes be a sign of kidney damage because it denotes that blood is leaking into the urine from the kidneys. If you observe changes in the color of your urine or suspect that you may have hematuria, talk to your doctor so we can confirm if you have hematuria and if it is being caused by CKD.
- High Blood Pressure
A bidirectional relationship between CKD and hypertension (high blood pressure) exists. Why? Because if your blood pressure is consistently elevated and left untreated, it can contribute to the progression of CKD, and CKD can exacerbate hypertension. Elevated blood pressure puts added strain on the blood vessels in your kidneys, leading to damage over time. Meanwhile, your kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, and when their function is compromised on account of CKD, your blood pressure levels could rise. It’s imperative to monitor and treat hypertension so you can protect both your heart and your kidneys.
Identifying High-Risk Groups
Patient trends indicate that CKD is prominent within specific demographic groups.
- Diabetes and CKD
There’s a strong correlation between diabetes and CKD. If you’ve been diagnosed with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, work in collaboration with your endocrinologist and nephrologist so you can receive routine health screenings, including kidney screenings. This also ensures that you’re effectively monitoring your blood sugar levels, which can help safeguard your kidney health.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can cause further damage to your kidneys. If you have high blood pressure, consider seeking treatment from a cardiologist and schedule regular check-ups with FKP so we can offer you a comprehensive kidney health assessment.
- Age and CKD Risk
NIDDK reports that “CKD is most common among people ages 65 or older (38%), followed by people ages 45 to 64 (12%), and people ages 18 to 44 (6%).” Since your risk of developing CKD increases with age, it’s important to schedule regular check-ups at FKP. Routine healthcare for older adults involves kidney screenings; these screenings facilitate the detection of CKD in its early stages, which can lead to more favorable health outcomes.
- Family History
Please be sure that your doctor is aware of your family’s health history. By noting your familial history and potential genetic predispositions, FKP can tailor a personalized risk assessment for you and measure your risk of developing CKD. From there, we can implement appropriate preventive measures or early interventions that are necessary to slow the progression of this disease.
- Ethnic and Racial Disparities
The aforementioned “Kidney Disease Statistics for the United States” article published by NIDDK reveals that CKD tends to be more prominent in individuals representing certain ethnic backgrounds: “about 16% of non-Hispanic Black adults have CKD,” “approximately 13% of non-Hispanic White adults have CKD,” “about 13% of non-Hispanic Asian adults have CKD” and “approximately 14% of Hispanic adults have CKD.” The increased risk associated with specific ethnic and racial backgrounds makes it even more crucial to schedule regular health check-ups and kidney screenings.
Empowering Readers for Timely Intervention
Early detection and timely intervention can lessen the damage that CKD inflicts upon your kidneys.
- Regular Check-ups and Screenings
Regular check-ups with FKP—especially if you are in one or more higher-risk groups—allow your care team to order routine kidney screenings. Remember, interventions are most effective when CKD is detected in its early stages.
- Awareness and Self-Monitoring
If you notice any changes in your health, report those changes to your care team so they can be recorded and addressed. Staying vigilant about potential chronic kidney disease symptoms can lead to a prompt medical diagnosis, followed by the implementation of a strategic treatment plan.
- Proactive Lifestyle Choices
Many lifestyle choices you make can lessen your risk of developing CKD risk. Adopting a kidney-friendly diet, establishing a consistent exercise routine, and managing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are all ways you can protect your long-term kidney health and prevent this disease from threatening your overall well-being.
Taking Control of Kidney Health
Familiarizing yourself with chronic kidney disease symptoms and risk factors enables you to manage your kidney health and address any concerns that may arise. Please don’t dismiss any symptoms you experience; doing so could cause further kidney damage and trigger the onset of additional symptoms. Rely on your trusted healthcare providers at FKP to help you prioritize your kidney health and ensure that you receive personalized, proactive care year-round.