The kidneys filter the blood removing waste products and excreting excess body water. Hence, kidney function affects the health of the entire body. When disease strikes the kidneys, local and body-wide symptoms may develop. The symptom pattern provides important clues as to what kidney disease is affecting you.
Decreased Urine Production
Acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease commonly cause decreased urine production, which is called oliguria. In some cases, urine production stops--a condition known as anuria. In these conditions, the kidney is not filtering the blood as it should, causing little or no urine production. Oliguria and anuria are symptoms of a serious underlying kidney disease.
Polyuria and Nocturia
Some kidney conditions such as renal tubular acidosis, glomerulonephritis and some cases of chronic kidney failure cause an abnormally high volume of urine production. Passing more than 2.5 liters of urine per day is called polyuria. The urine usually appears colorless or only slightly yellow. Urine production is excessive because the kidneys are unable to reabsorb water in the filtration process. People with polyuria often have to get up at night to urinate; this is called nocturia.
Edema
Edema is swelling of body tissues due to excess water. Many kidney diseases cause edema because the kidneys are not able to maintain a normal amount of total body water. Edema typically appears first in the feet and ankles. With severe kidney disease, edema affects most of the body including the face. Severe edema causes fluid accumulation in the lungs, which causes shortness of breath.
Nausea, Vomiting and Loss of Appetite
Kidney diseases associated with significant kidney failure cause uremic syndrome. This term describes a number of metabolic and chemical imbalances in the blood caused by poorly functioning kidneys. A hallmark characteristic of uremic syndrome is loss of appetite. With progressive disease, nausea and vomiting are also common.
Unintentional Weight Changes
Kidney disease often causes unintentional changes in body weight. Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting associated with uremic syndrome can cause significant weight loss and muscle wasting. Conversely, water can accumulate in the body rapidly if urine production is decreased causing a sudden boost in weight.
Easy Bruising and Prolonged Bleeding
Blood clotting abnormalities often occur in people with kidney disease accompanied by uremic syndrome. Easy bruising, and bruises that are out of proportion to the level of injury are common. It may take an excessive amount of time for bleeding to stop after a minor cut or scrape. Frequent nosebleeds are also common.
Itching
Buildup of metabolic waste products in the blood due to kidney disease can cause intense itching. The itching is typically generalized and increases in severity as toxin levels build. This symptom can significantly affect quality of life. The toxins in the blood may give the skin a dark or yellowish hue.
