Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is caused by conditions that have existed in the body for a long period of time. The underlying problem slowly damages the kidneys and if left untreated, will lead to permanent kidney failure.

Causes

The two most common causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. Inflammation, inherited disorders and an ongoing urinary tract infection can also result in kidney disease.

Early Signs

In the early stages, chronic kidney disease usually doesn't have any symptoms. However, the earliest sign is a small amount of protein called albumin in the urine. This can only be detected with a urine test.

Early Physical Symptoms

The first physical symptoms are high blood pressure, leg cramps, swelling of the hands and feet and the need to urinate more frequently at night.

Progressive Symptoms

As more of the kidneys are damaged, symptoms may progress to nausea and vomiting, weakness, feeling tired, itchiness, muscle cramps, not thinking clearly and perhaps darkened skin. If you're diabetic, you may find that you don't need as much insulin.

Lab Tests

In addition to testing urine for albumin, blood tests will show high levels of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine.

References

• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Kidney Information