Searching for a Cure with Jim Plante: Common Symptoms of Kidney Disease
When someone knows the symptoms of chronic kidney disease, or CKD, they can begin receiving treatment to help them feel better. The truth is, symptoms of this disease are often subtle. In fact, there are many people who don’t have any symptoms or don’t think they do. If a person has one of the symptoms below, it’s probably a good idea to schedule a checkup with their doctor. However, if someone has several of the symptoms listed below, they may already have developed CKD.
A State of Constant Fatigue
When kidneys are healthy, they produce a hormone that’s called erythropoietin, or EPO. This is what tells the body to make the red blood cells that are responsible for carrying oxygen. If there aren’t enough red blood cells to carry oxygen, the brain and muscles in the body become tired rather quickly. This is what causes anemia and is a condition that can be treated.
Constantly Feeling Cold
Anemia is a condition that can make someone feel cold constantly. This is the case even if they are in a warm room. Also, if other people state they are warm and the individual is still cold, it could also be a sign of CKD.
Shortness of Breath with No Real Exertion
If a person is short of breath, it could be related to the kidneys and how they are functioning in two ways. First of all, the additional fluid present in the body may begin to build up in the lungs. Secondly, anemia can leave the body starved of oxygen, resulting in the shortness of breath.
Feeling Weak, Dizzy or Faint
When anemia is caused by kidney failure, it means the brain isn’t receiving enough oxygen. Over time, this can result in the person feeling weak, dizzy, or faint.
If someone suspects … Read More...