30 JUNE 2025 FACT RECORDER
Health Desk: The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering toxins from the blood and flushing them out of the body. When the kidneys begin to malfunction, the body starts showing certain warning signs. Unfortunately, many people overlook these symptoms, assuming them to be minor or unrelated. Over time, this negligence can lead to serious health issues, including kidney failure.
Dr. Manish Tiwari from the Department of Nephrology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital explains six early signs of kidney damage that should not be ignored:
1. Persistent Fatigue and Weakness
One of the first signs is constant tiredness and weakness. When the kidneys are unable to filter toxins efficiently, these waste products accumulate in the blood, making you feel fatigued even without much physical activity.
2. Urinary Problems
Changes in urination patterns can indicate kidney trouble. These include frequent urination (especially at night), burning sensation while urinating, cloudy or foamy urine, and in some cases, blood in the urine. All of these can be warning signs of declining kidney function.
3. Swelling in the Face, Eyes, or Ankles
Swelling or puffiness, especially around the eyes in the morning or in the ankles and feet, can be due to fluid retention caused by the kidneys failing to remove excess fluid from the body.
4. Loss of Appetite and Nausea
When waste builds up in the body, it can impact the digestive system, leading to a loss of appetite, nausea, or even vomiting. If these symptoms persist without another clear cause, kidney function could be to blame.
5. Itchy, Dry Skin
Kidney dysfunction can affect the body’s ability to balance minerals and nutrients, which may lead to dry, itchy skin. Persistent skin irritation and rashes could be linked to kidney issues.
6. Shortness of Breath
One of the more serious signs is difficulty breathing. Fluid buildup in the lungs or reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to poor kidney function can make it hard to breathe, even with minimal exertion.
How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy:
Drink plenty of water
Limit intake of salt and processed foods
Keep blood pressure and blood sugar levels under control
Avoid overuse of painkillers and take medicines only under medical supervision
If you experience any of the above symptoms consistently, it’s crucial to consult a doctor. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent kidney disease from progressing into a life-threatening condition.
