Kidney disease can cause a metallic taste or even breath that smells like ammonia due to a buildup of urea.
11. Strong-smelling breath.
Kidney problems can cause bad breath, often described as smelling like ammonia.
12. Shortness of breath.
Excess fluid in the body, including in the lungs, can cause shortness of breath.
13. Prone to bruising and bleeding:
Poor kidney function can impair blood clotting, leading to bruising or spontaneous bleeding.
14. Muscle weakness.
Electrolyte imbalances, such as sodium and potassium, caused by kidney problems, can lead to muscle weakness and cramps.
15. Changes in skin color.
Yellowish or grayish skin can be a sign of kidney failure.
16. Chest pain.
The buildup of fluid around the heart can cause chest discomfort, a symptom often associated with advanced kidney failure.
17. Heart palpitations.
Imbalances in blood potassium levels can lead to cardiac arrhythmias.
18. Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Blood in the urine is a worrying sign of kidney problems or urinary tract infections.
19. Fever and chills.
If accompanied by pain when urinating, they may indicate a kidney or urinary tract infection.
20. Disorientation and confusion.
The accumulation of toxins in the blood can affect the nervous system, causing disorientation and mental confusion.
21. Unexplained weight loss
Unexplained weight loss can be associated with kidney problems, especially when accompanied by other symptoms.
Causes of Kidney Problems
The symptoms mentioned can be caused by various factors, ranging from infections and kidney stones to chronic diseases. Some of the most common causes include:
Hypertension,
Diabetes mellitus
, Kidney stones,
Recurrent urinary tract infections
, Autoimmune diseases (such as lupus)
, Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the glomeruli)
, Polycystic kidney disease (a genetic disease that causes cysts in the kidneys).
Factors that can complicate chronic kidney disease.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops slowly and is usually aggravated by factors that can be controlled. Learn more about some of the main factors that can accelerate the progression of CKD:
1. Uncontrolled hypertension:
High blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their filtration capacity.
2. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels.
Poorly controlled diabetes is a major cause of diabetic kidney disease, which can progress to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
3. Excessive use of anti-inflammatory drugs.
Medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can impair kidney function when used in excess.
4. Constant Dehydration:
Lack of water makes kidney function difficult and can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
5. Smoking
. Smoking damages blood vessels and accelerates the progression of kidney disease.
Treatments for Kidney Disease
Treatment for kidney disease varies depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the problem. The most common approaches include:
Lifestyle changes (healthy eating, blood pressure control)
Medications to control blood pressure and glucose levels
Dialysis in cases of advanced kidney failure
Kidney transplant in severe cases
Here are 5 home remedies that may help improve kidney function:
