Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that play a vital role in your body’s health. They filter waste products from your blood, help regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones that keep your bones strong and healthy.
Kidney problems can range from mild to severe, and they can affect people of all ages. In the early stages, kidney problems may not cause any symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, you may start to experience a variety of symptoms, including:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles
- High blood pressure
- Anemia
- Bone pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment of kidney problems can help prevent serious complications.
What are the risk factors for kidney problems?
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing kidney problems, including:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Family history of kidney disease
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to protect your kidneys.
How are kidney problems diagnosed?
Kidney problems can be diagnosed with a variety of tests, including:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Imaging tests
Your doctor will recommend the best tests for you based on your symptoms and risk factors.
How are kidney problems treated?
The treatment for kidney problems depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include:
- Medications
- Dialysis
- Kidney transplant
Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Can kidney problems be prevented?
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent kidney problems, including:
- Control your diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get enough sleep.
If you have any risk factors for kidney problems, talk to your doctor about ways to protect your kidneys.
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that play a vital role in your body’s health. They filter waste products from your blood, help regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones that keep your bones strong and healthy.
Kidney problems can range from mild to severe, and they can affect people of all ages. In the early stages, kidney problems may not cause any symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, you may start to experience a variety of symptoms, including:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles
- High blood pressure
- Anemia
- Bone pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment of kidney problems can help prevent serious complications.
But did you know that there are also a number of surprising signs of kidney problems? These symptoms may not seem like they’re related to your kidneys, but they can actually be a sign that something is wrong.
Here are 10 surprising signs of kidney problems:
- Dry, itchy skin
- Bad breath
- Metallic taste in your mouth
- Muscle cramps
- Difficulty concentrating
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Coma
- Weight loss
- Hair loss
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment of kidney problems can help prevent serious complications.
What are the most common kidney problems?
The most common kidney problems are:
- Kidney stones
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Glomerulonephritis
- Pyelonephritis
- Polycystic kidney disease
What are the symptoms of kidney problems?
The symptoms of kidney problems can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles
- High blood pressure
- Anemia
- Bone pain
How are kidney problems diagnosed?
Kidney problems can be diagnosed with a variety of tests, including:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Imaging tests
Your doctor will recommend the best tests for you based on your symptoms and risk factors.
How are kidney problems treated?
The treatment for kidney problems depends on the underlying cause. Treatment may include:
- Medications
- Dialysis
- Kidney transplant
Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Can kidney problems be prevented?
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent kidney problems, including:
- Control your diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get enough sleep.
If you have any risk factors for kidney problems, talk to your doctor about ways to protect your kidneys.
| Risk Factor |
|—|—|
| Diabetes |
| High blood pressure |
| Heart disease |
| Obesity |
| Smoking |
| Family history of kidney disease |
| Symptom |
|—|—|
| Frequent urination |
| Excessive thirst |
| Fatigue |
| Nausea and vomiting |
| Swelling in your hands, feet, or ankles |
| High blood pressure |
| Anemia |
| Bone pain |
| Test |
|—|—|
| Blood tests |
| Urine tests |
| Imaging tests |
| Treatment |
|—|—|
| Medications |
| Dialysis |
| Kidney transplant |
