Identifying the signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease can be very difficult for many people. Often, the signs can go unnoticed for many months or years, and are not identified until the disease has progressed into later and more destructive phases. It is important, however, to pay attention to early symptoms, especially if you are at high risk, in order to slow the development of impaired kidney function. The early symptoms of CKD are the same for many other illnesses, but may be the only sign of a problem in the early stages. Below are some of these common symptoms:
- Appetite loss
- General ill feeling and fatigue
- Itching and dry skin
- Weight loss without trying to lose weight
Picking up these early indicators could be very beneficial in slowing the advancement of the disease, However, as previously mentioned, they are often hard to identify in the beginning stages. As the kidneys continue to lose function and chronic kidney disease progresses into later stages, symptoms and signs become more focused and obvious. Later symptoms include:
- Abnormally dark or light skin
- Bone pain
- Drowsiness or problems concentrating or thinking
- Numbness or swelling in the hands and feet
- Muscle twitching or cramps
- Breath odor
- Easy bruising, or blood in the stool
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent hiccups
- Problems with sexual function
- Menstrual periods stop (amenorrhea)
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep problems
- Vomiting, often in the morning
For a more in depth explanation of some of the above symptoms, and how they are correlated with impaired kidney function, click here.
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