7 Early Signs of Kidney Disease You Can’t Ignore

4. Changes in Urination Frequency

Kidney disease can sometimes cause noticeable changes in how often you urinate. This may include an increased need to urinate, especially during the night.

However, frequent urination at night can also be caused by other conditions such as diabetes, an enlarged prostate, bladder issues, certain medications, or simply consuming a lot of fluids before bedtime.

If you experience persistent and unexplained changes in urination, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.

5. Puffiness Around the Eyes

Persistent puffiness or swelling around the eyes can be related to protein leaking into the urine due to kidney damage. Significant protein loss can cause fluid to accumulate in surrounding tissues, leading to this puffiness.

Still, other common causes like allergies, sleep disturbances, or other health issues can also result in puffy eyes, so this symptom alone does not confirm kidney disease.

6. Dry or Itchy Skin

Dryness and persistent itching of the skin may develop in people with more advanced kidney disease. Healthy kidneys help maintain the balance of minerals and nutrients necessary for skin health.

When kidney function declines significantly, imbalances in minerals and other complications can lead to skin problems including itching and dryness.

Because dry skin is very common and usually unrelated to kidney disease, this symptom should be considered in the context of other signs and medical history.

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