Chronic Kidney Disease symptoms: Watch out for loss of appetite, weight loss, swelling in ankles

Loss of appetite, weight loss, and mild swelling in the hands or ankles due to water retention are the initial symptoms of chronic kidney disease (CKD) (Image: Canva)

This is one silent threat lurking inside our body that mostly goes unnoticed till its too late. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) might not always show its face initially, but its progression can bring about serious health complications. Understanding its signs, risk factors, and preventive measures, therefore, is vital in safeguarding your kidney health.

The two kidneys in your body act as intricate filters, sifting through the blood to remove waste products and excess fluids. These bean-shaped organs receive about a litre of blood every minute, and the glomeruli in the kidneys aid in filtering this blood. The waste is sent as urine to the bladder, which excretes it from the body.

Abnormal kidney function, along with a reduction in the glomerular filtration rate over a long period of time, can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). In the absence of any intervention, this can progress to end-stage renal disease, where the accumulation of toxins and electrolytes results in death.

Risk factors of CKD:

The risk factors for chronic kidney disease include low birth weight, childhood obesity, elevated blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, advanced age and a family history of CKD. Structural abnormalities in the urinary tract can also be a contributing factor.

Signs and symptoms:

While the symptoms of CKD may not be as pronounced during the early stages, they become more evident as the disease progresses. Initially, loss of appetite, weight loss, and mild swelling in the hands or ankles due to water retention could occur. Progression might bring about shortness of breath, fatigue, and the observation of blood in urine. Subsequently, nocturia, insomnia, itchy skin, muscle cramps, and, in some cases, erectile dysfunction in males may accompany chronic kidney disease.

Given below is a list of measures you can take to prevent chronic kidney disease:

Say no to nicotine: Nicotine, especially which is introduced by smoking, can exponentially increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and stroke. This can lead to an increased risk of chronic kidney disease.

Manage your meals: A healthy and well-balanced diet can aid in reducing the risk of CKD by keeping the blood pressure in check and the cholesterol levels normal. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables, beans, pulses and dairy products in your diet, and avoid over-consumption of sugar and salt.

Keep the underlying health conditions under control: If you are living with hypertension or diabetes mellitus, it is crucial that you maintain normal levels of blood pressure and blood sugar. Never skip the medication prescribed by your doctor and consult them regularly.

Be mindful of the alcohol you consume: Excessive intake of alcohol is frowned upon by your body. It can lead to elevated blood pressure levels and can also increase cholesterol. If you drink socially, then try to spread it out over three days or more (if you consume about 14 units per week).

If you notice swelling in your limbs or any of the aforementioned symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.