How to Spot the First Signs of Kidney Damage
Kidney damage can develop slowly over time, and its signs may not always be immediately apparent. The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the body, so when they are damaged, it can lead to a variety of symptoms. Recognizing these early signs is crucial for timely intervention, as untreated kidney damage can progress to more severe kidney disease or even kidney failure. Below are some of the most common signs of kidney damage and what to look for, as well as treatment options like Filspari. Filspari is a new medication that protects the kidneys from damage and helps improve their function.
Warning Signs to Watch For
1. Fatigue and Weakness
One of the first signs of kidney damage is a persistent feeling of fatigue or weakness. The kidneys are responsible for removing waste from the bloodstream, and when they’re not functioning properly, toxins build up in the body and lead to exhaustion. Additionally, damaged kidneys may cause anemia (low red blood cell count), which further contributes to fatigue. If you're experiencing ongoing tiredness despite adequate rest, it could be linked to kidney function.
2. Swelling (Edema)
Swelling in the legs, feet, ankles and even the face can be a key indicator of kidney damage. When the kidneys lose their ability to remove excess fluids and salt from the body, fluid builds up in the tissues, leading to noticeable swelling, especially in the lower extremities. You may also observe puffiness around the eyes, particularly in the morning, which could be related to excess protein being lost in the urine. If swelling is persistent and unexplained, it’s essential to seek medical attention.
3. Changes in Urination Patterns
One of the most common early signs of kidney damage is a change in urination. This can manifest in several ways:
- Increased frequency: You may notice an increased need to urinate, especially at night (a condition known as nocturia).
- Decreased output: Some people with kidney damage urinate less frequently, which can lead to fluid retention.
- Foamy or bubbly urine: This can indicate an excess of protein in the urine, which is a sign of kidney dysfunction.
- Blood in the urine: Blood in the urine (hematuria) can be a clear sign of kidney damage, as it indicates that the kidney’s filters are no longer working properly. If you notice any of these changes in your urination habits, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation.
4. Shortness of Breath
Kidney damage can also cause shortness of breath, even after minimal physical exertion. This occurs for two reasons. First, fluid retention caused by poor kidney function can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Second, anemia due to kidney damage reduces the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells, causing you to feel breathless more easily. If you experience unexplained shortness of breath, particularly alongside other symptoms of kidney damage, seek medical advice.
5. High Blood Pressure
Kidneys play a critical role in regulating blood pressure by balancing salt and fluid levels in the body. When the kidneys are damaged, they struggle to maintain this balance, which can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure can, in turn, damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, creating a harmful cycle. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney damage, so it's important to monitor your blood pressure regularly and manage it appropriately.
6. Nausea and Vomiting
As kidney function declines, waste products accumulate in the bloodstream, causing nausea and vomiting—a condition known as uremia. This buildup of toxins can also lead to a metallic taste in the mouth and foul-smelling breath. If you’re experiencing frequent nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite without any apparent cause, it could be due to kidney damage and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
7. Muscle Cramps
Kidney damage often leads to imbalances in electrolytes such as calcium, potassium and phosphorus. These imbalances can cause painful muscle cramps, especially in the legs. If you notice frequent or severe cramps that are not related to physical activity or dehydration, they may be related to kidney function. Keeping an eye on your electrolyte levels and kidney health is crucial to avoid long-term complications.
8. Trouble Concentrating or Mental Confusion
Kidneys help maintain the balance of chemicals in the blood, including those that affect brain function. When the kidneys are damaged, toxins and waste can build up in the bloodstream, leading to cognitive issues such as difficulty concentrating, memory problems or confusion. If you experience brain fog or mental sluggishness, particularly alongside other symptoms of kidney damage, it may indicate that your kidneys are not filtering properly.
Treatment Options for Kidney Damage
While kidney damage is a serious condition, early diagnosis and treatment can slow its progression and improve outcomes. Treatment typically focuses on managing the underlying cause of the damage, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, and preventing further deterioration. Below are some common treatment options for kidney damage:
- Lifestyle changes: Modifying your diet and lifestyle is one of the first steps in managing kidney damage. Reducing salt, protein and phosphorus intake can lessen the strain on your kidneys. It’s also essential to stay hydrated but avoid overconsumption of fluids, which can worsen swelling in some cases.
- Medications: Managing high blood pressure and controlling blood sugar levels in diabetic patients is key to preventing further kidney damage. Medications such as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) can help protect the kidneys and improve blood flow.
- Dialysis: In more advanced cases of kidney damage, dialysis may be required to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do so. Dialysis can be either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, depending on the patient’s condition.
Filspari: A Promising New Treatment
For patients with certain kidney conditions, such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a new medication called Filspari (sparsentan) offers a promising treatment option. Filspari is a dual endothelin and angiotensin receptor antagonist that helps reduce proteinuria (excess protein in the urine) and protects the kidneys from further damage. By targeting these two pathways, Filspari can help slow the progression of kidney damage in patients with FSGS, improving their overall kidney function and quality of life.
Recognizing the early signs of kidney damage and seeking timely treatment can help prevent further complications and improve outcomes. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate testing and treatment options.