Estimated to impact about 37 million Americans, kidney disease is a condition that every person should be aware of. However, as a progressive condition, it isn’t always easy to catch in its early stages. If undetected, patients can miss out on treatment that may help save their lives. If you’re concerned about chronic kidney disease, here are a few important details to know about the condition and when you should talk to a doctor about it.

What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic kidney disease refers to conditions that cause one or more kidneys—organs that filter blood, remove waste, and balance bodily fluids—to work properly. These conditions are grouped into five stages that are defined by severity and treatment ability.

When the kidneys are unable to do their job, waste can buildup in the body and contribute to a variety of serious health problems—such as blood toxicity, anemia, high blood pressure, nerve damage, and heart disease. Left untreated, these complications can result in death.

What Are Common Warning Signs of Kidney Disease?

1. Changes in Urination

When the kidneys cannot properly process waste, your urine may become dark-colored, smell unusual, appear foamy, or contain blood. You should also speak to a doctor if you urinate more frequently, less often, or feel pain when it happens.

2. Body Pain

Chronic lower back pain near the base of the ribcage may be a result of kidney inflammation. When kidney disease causes an imbalance in electrolytes or contributes to nerve damage, muscle cramping at night is also common.

3. Skin Problems

Poor kidney function changes the way sweat and oil glands nourish the skin. As a result, you may notice consistently dry or itchy skin, as well as slow-healing wounds. Fluid retention issues may also cause puffiness around the eyes and swelling around the feet and ankles.  

4. Anemia

When this condition causes anemia—or low iron levels in the blood—you may experience unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, insomnia, trouble concentrating, or an odd metallic taste in the mouth.

Who Is at Risk?

Any person can develop this disease. However, those with certain health conditions—such as diabetes or heart disease—face a higher risk. Other risk factors include having a non-Caucasian ethnic background, being older, excessive alcohol consumption, or having a family history of the disease.   If you fit into any of these categories, it’s important to talk to a doctor about monitoring your kidneys.

If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease or are concerned about your risk, Mt Auburn Nephrology is here to help you take control of the condition. Based in Cincinnati, OH, this nephrology clinic offers in-depth kidney disease treatment to minimize symptoms and improve organ function. Understanding that every patient has different needs, these specialists will provide compassionate, one-on-one support in a convenient, accessible fashion. To learn more about these services, visit this clinic online. If you’d like to schedule a kidney test, call (513) 841-0222.