KIDNEY PROBLEMS – CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS  

Kidneys are bean shaped organs located towards the lower back. One kidney is on each side of the spine. They filter the blood and remove toxins from the body. The toxins are then sent to the bladder and removed from the body through urination.

When the kidneys lose the ability to successfully remove the toxins from the body, is when kidney failure occurs. Following are the symptoms of kidney failure:

• Fatigue

When one feels tired and exhausted most of the time in a day, this may reflect that he/she is suffering from kidney problem. When there is a deficiency of oxygen carrying red blood cells, one feels tired.

• Anaemia

Refers to a condition where the blood doesn’t have enough red blood cells or low haemoglobin. One feels cold most of the times even when others feel warm.

• Breathing problem

Build-up of extra fluid in the lungs or shortage of red blood cells in the blood can lead to heavy breathing after a little work or effort.

• Mental health

Due to shortage of oxygen carrying red blood cells, enough oxygen is not supplied to the brain which restricts one to think or make a sound decision.

• Itching

When the kidney fails to remove toxins from the blood, it causes itching.

• Swelling

Kidney problem leads to build-up of extra fluid further leading to swollen legs, ankle, feet or hands and face.

• Taste changes

A build-up of waste in the blood make food taste different. This also leads to bad breadth.

• Weight loss

Waste build-up leads to nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite leading to weight loss.

• Urination problems

Due to kidney problems, one may urinate more often than usual. Also, due to more amount of protein, the urine may be bubbly or foamy.