Symptoms
Some kidney diseases begin without any symptoms. As the disease progresses, some of the following symptoms may develop:
- Fluid retention
- Swollen hands and feet, numbness of hands and feet, itchy skin
- Fatigue, insomnia
- Low urine output (or no urine output in severe cases), frequent urination
- Altered consciousness
- Loss of appetite, malnutrition
- Sores , bad taste in the mouth
- Nausea, vomiting
- Muscle cramps and twitches
- Shortness of breath
- Pericarditis
- High blood pressure
- Low temperature
- Seizures , coma
- Breath smelling like urine
- Yellowish-brownish skin tone
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:
Blood Tests
If the kidneys are not working properly, the blood will show:
-
An increase in:
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Parathyroid hormone
- Creatinine
- Blood urea nitrogen
- A decrease in serum calcium
Other Tests
- 24-hour urine protein test —to see if your body is losing protein in the urine
- Renal ultrasound —uses sound waves to study the renal system (kidneys, bladder, and ureters)
- Biopsy —removal of a sample of kidney tissue to test for kidney cell functioning
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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