Functions of the kidneys:
- Keeps the internal environment of our body clean and healthy
- Excretes the metabolic waste products of food especially nitrogenous waste
- Procedure erythropoietin Hormone which helps in blood formation.
- Excrete metabolic acids and other toxic compounds.
- Contributes to healthy bone formation by making active vitamin D.
In chronic kidneys disease both the kidneys lose their functions and patients develop many problems.
The most important point to remember is that even up to advanced stages of kidney failure, (CKD IV and V) patients usually do not have any symptoms.
The early symptoms of kidney failure include
- Polyuria (passing more urine)… Paradoxic!
- Nocturia (passing more urine during the night)
- Pedal edema, puffiness of the face
- Persistent aches and pains.
- High blood pressure
- Shortness of breath on mild exertion
- Inability to complete the family
- Fatigue, lassitude, tiredness.
Most of the symptoms can be due to reasons other than kidney disease. The only way to know the cause is to visit your nephrologist in Delhi, India.