Kidney Disease Basics
Get the facts on kidney disease
Being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be overwhelming. Understanding your kidney disease, or renal disease, is the first step in taking control of your health. Read on for a broad overview of CKD, from basic terminology and risk factors to how to slow its progression
What is kidney disease?
When you have kidney disease, your kidneys are no longer able to remove waste effectively from your body or balance your fluids. This buildup of wastes can change the chemistry of your body, causing some symptoms you can feel—and others you don’t.
With kidney diseases, the first symptoms you may have are ones that you won’t feel but that will show up in tests that your doctor orders. It’s important to find a kidney doctor (also called a nephrologist). Partner closely with your nephrologist and health care team as early as possible.
Symptoms of kidney disease
A CKD diagnosis may come as a surprise to many people, because the symptoms are often times subtle. The signs of kidney disease are:
- Change in urination
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
- Metallic taste in mouth
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling cold
- Dizziness
- Trouble concentrating
- High blood pressure
In many cases, kidney damage is the result of another illness that has progressed slowly over the years. The two main causes are diabetes and high blood pressure. If your kidney disease is the result of one of these conditions, the best way to manage it is to treat the illness that is causing it.
Share the video below to educate others about some of the symptoms of chronic kidney disease.
