Our kidneys clean the blood by removing waste and extra fluid, which leave the body in the form of urine. These vital organs help control blood pressure and balance salt and minerals. The kidneys also help in producing red blood cells and keeping the bones strong.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) happens when the kidneys are damaged for more than several months. In the early stages, one might not feel sick or have any symptoms. CKD symptoms tend to develop slowly over time. Damage to the kidneys can lead to buildup of fluid and waste in the body, besides causing acids, potassium and phosphate to build up in the blood.

Early signs of kidney disease

Energy loss/Trouble concentrating: Severely hampered kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can make people feel tired or weak and find it difficult to focus. Anaemia is another fallout of kidney disease, causing weakness and tiredness.
Trouble sleeping: When the kidneys fail to filter adequately, toxins tend to remain in the blood. This can lead to sleep disorders. While there is an association between obesity and CKD, sleep apnoea is more common in persons with kidney disease.
Dry and itchy skin: Healthy kidneys also work to maintain the right amount of minerals in your body. Dry and itchy skin can be a sign of the mineral and bone disease that often goes hand-in-hand with advanced kidney disease, or when the kidneys are no longer able to keep the right balance of minerals and nutrients in the blood.
Frequent urination: If you need to pass urine more often, especially at night, it can be a sign of kidney problems. If the kidneys are impaired, it can cause an increased urge to urinate. It can also be a sign of a urinary infection or an enlarged prostate among men.
Blood in urine: When the kidneys are healthy, they usually keep the blood cells in the body while filtering wastes from the blood to create urine. However, when the kidneys’ filters are damaged, these blood cells can start to leak out into the urine. Blood in the urine could also indicate tumours, kidney stones or an infection.
Foamy urine: When you have to flush several times because of excessive bubbles in the urine, it could indicate protein in the urine. This is albumin, the same protein also found in eggs.
Persistent puffiness around the eyes: Puffiness around the eyes could be due to the fact that the kidneys are leaking a significant amount of protein in the urine, instead of keeping it in the body. This happens when the kidneys’ filters are damaged.
Swelling in ankles and feet: Impaired kidney function can also lead to sodium retention, causing swelling in your feet or ankles. However, it can also be a sign of some cardiac problem, liver disease or chronic vein issues in the legs.
Muscle cramping: Compromised kidney function can lead to electrolyte imbalances. Low calcium levels and poorly controlled phosphorus may cause muscles to cramp.