In the United States, approximately 26 million people have chronic kidney disease, according to 2010 information provided by the National Kidney Foundation. Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure, is a condition in which the kidneys progressively lose the ability to function normally. People who develop chronic kidney disease symptoms should consult a medical professional as soon as possible for further evaluation and care.
Frequent Nighttime Urination
Chronic kidney disease can cause patients to experience frequent nighttime urination, also called nocturia, as a symptom of this condition, explains the Merck Manual, an online medical encyclopedia for patients and caregivers. Poor kidney function prevents these organs from normally absorbing fluid from the body during the night. As a result, the body excretes unusually high volumes of urine. During more advanced stages of this disease, patients may produce little or no urine, warns MayoClinic.com. Increased or urgent urination can also be a sign of alternate medical problems, such as a urinary tract infection. Patients who develop these chronic kidney disease symptoms should consult a doctor to ensure receipt of appropriate care.
Swelling
Healthy kidneys help remove excess waste and fluid for the body. If the kidneys are unable to function normally due to chronic kidney disease, this excess fluid can accumulate within the body. As a result, patients with this disease can experience swelling--particularly in the feet or ankles, explains the National Kidney Foundation. Swollen extremities can be uncomfortable and may make it difficult for an affected patient to move normally.
Dry, Itchy Skin
When the kidneys can't remove toxins for the body, these waste products can irritate and inflame a patient's skin. Consequently, patients with this disease can develop chronic dry, itchy skin as a symptom, explains MedlinePlus, an online medical encyclopedia established by the National Institutes of Health. Persistently itchy skin can cause affected patients to frequently scratch at their skin, which can increase the risk of developing a skin infection.
Stomach Upset
High levels of waste products within the body can irritate the digestive tract, leading to stomach upset symptoms in patients with chronic kidney disease. Upset stomach symptoms can include nausea and vomiting, which can contribute to loss of appetite in affected patients, explains MayoClinic.com. Poor appetite levels can result in progressive, unintended weight loss in patients with this disease.
Fatigue
The function of other body organs, such as the brain, can be affected by waste products that collect within the body. As a result, patients with chronic kidney disease can feel physically and mentally fatigued. Affected patients can have difficulty concentrating while at work or school, or may not have the energy needed to perform their usual daily tasks, explains the National Kidney Foundation. Sleeping difficulties can also arise in chronic kidney disease patients, which can exacerbate daytime fatigue symptoms.
