Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a terrifying condition because it is a master of disguise. Your kidneys are highly adaptable and can compensate for lost function. As a result, you can lose up to 90% of your kidney function before experiencing any obvious symptoms.
The Subtle Red Flags
By the time symptoms appear, the damage is often irreversible. However, some subtle early signs include:
- Changes in Urination: Needing to urinate more often (especially at night), or urine that is foamy and bubbly (indicating protein leakage).
- Swelling (Edema): Decreased kidney function leads to sodium retention, causing swelling in your feet, ankles, or around your eyes.
- Fatigue and Weakness: A severe drop in kidney function can cause a buildup of toxins in the blood, leading to intense fatigue.
- Metallic Taste in Mouth: Uremia (buildup of wastes in the blood) can make food taste different and cause bad breath.
Your Best Defense
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney failure, you are at high risk. You cannot afford to wait for symptoms. A simple Kidney Function Test (KFT) measuring your creatinine and urea levels can catch the decline years before you feel it. Book your home sample collection with BookMyPatho today.
