Individuals in the early stages of chronic kidney disease, or CKD, may not experience any symptoms. However, according to Dr. Jay B. Wish, M.D. at the American Association of Kidney Patients, as the disease progresses symptoms of kidney damage will arise. Patients with other illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease or anemia may develop symptoms of kidney damage sooner than other patients. Signs of decreased kidney function require immediate medical evaluation and treatment by a nephrologist, or kidney specialist.
Swelling and Fluid Retention
Retaining fluid is one of the most common signs of kidney damage. Dr. Wish notes that patients with any degree of kidney disease are able to urinate. However, imbalances between water and salt intake and amount of water and salt excreted in the urine causing tissue swelling, hypertension or high blood pressure and shortness of breath. Swelling is most visible in the abdominal area and may also affect the limbs, torso and face. In early stages of kidney disease, fluid retention can be treated with diuretic medication and a low sodium diet. Later stage kidney damage requires dialysis to treat this and other symptoms.
Itching
Individuals with later stage kidney damage may also experience skin itching symptoms. Itching can affect the entire body and is related to high levels of phosphorus and calcium in the blood. It may also be caused by the accumulation of toxins in the blood that irritate nerve endings in the skin. Another type of nerve damage due to kidney disease causes tingling in the hands and feet. These symptoms are not specific to kidney disease; blood tests can confirm the causes.
Nutrition Symptoms
Symptoms involving the appetite and digestion are also non-specific signs if kidney damage, meaning that they occur in a variety of disorders. According to MayoClinic.com, these symptoms include nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Loss of appetite can affect healthy nutrition and lead to inadequate protein intake, fatigue, weakness and loss of muscle mass.
Constitutional Symptoms
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse mentions that constitutional symptoms are subjective and affect general body health. These include chronic fatigue, memory loss, sleep disorders and other symptoms that are usually caused by the accumulation of toxins in the blood.
