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To Know the Basics About Kidney Health

Key Terms

Why are my kidneys important?

What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

Causes of Kidney Disease

Signs and Symptoms

Diagnosis of CKD

Urine Tests

Additional Diagnostic Tools for CKD

Kidney Failure

Preventing CKD

To Know the Basics About Kidney Health / Signs and Symptoms

Chronic kidney disease frequently does not have any symptoms for a long time. Symptoms, like the ones shown below, often only appear when 60-70 % of the kidney function is already lost.

The signs and symptoms of kidney disease include:

Urinating more or less
Dry, itchy skin
Swelling of feet and ankles
Fatigue and weakness
Nausea and Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Sleep problems
Decreased mental sharpness
Muscle cramps
High blood pressure (hypertension)
that’s difficult to control
Shortness of breath,
if fluid builds up in the lungs
Chest pain, if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart

Although medical secrecy is common in ACB communities, it’s important to speak to your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms. All interactions with medical professionals are confidential and private.

To read about the causes of CKD, click here
To learn about the diagnosis of CKD click here, or to read about CKD prevention and lifestyle changes, see here.

< Causes of kidney disease

Diagnosis of CKD >