From the Guidelines
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often presents with subtle symptoms that develop gradually as kidney function declines, including fatigue, weakness, decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps, swollen feet and ankles, puffiness around the eyes, and dry, itchy skin, as noted in the 2021 study by the Journal of the American College of Radiology 1.
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
The symptoms of CKD can be divided into early and late symptoms. Early symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Decreased appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Muscle cramps
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Puffiness around the eyes (especially in the morning)
- Dry, itchy skin As the disease progresses, more noticeable symptoms emerge, such as:
- Urinating more or less frequently than usual
- Foamy or bloody urine
- Persistent nausea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty concentrating
- High blood pressure that's hard to control Advanced CKD can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent itching, and decreased mental sharpness, as supported by the 2003 study by the Annals of Internal Medicine 1.
Importance of Early Detection
Many people with early CKD remain asymptomatic, which is why regular screening is important for those with risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, or family history of kidney disease. If you experience these symptoms, especially if you have risk factors, consult a healthcare provider promptly for evaluation. According to the 2021 study by the Journal of the American College of Radiology 1, CKD is common, affecting 10% of the world population, and is defined as an abnormality of kidney structure or function, present for >3 months, with health consequences.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
Evaluation of the patient with CKD will include a thorough history, physical examination, laboratory, and serologic workups, as well as markers of kidney damage, such as measurement of albuminuria and urinary sediment, as noted in the 2021 study by the Journal of the American College of Radiology 1. Regular screening and early detection are crucial in preventing or delaying the progression of CKD, as supported by the 2003 study by the Annals of Internal Medicine 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
The provided studies do not directly discuss the symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). However, they do mention various aspects of CKD management and treatment:
- The use of ACE inhibitors and ARBs in patients with CKD, particularly those with proteinuria 2, 3, 4, 5
- The benefits of ACE inhibitors and ARBs in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and delaying end-stage kidney disease 3
- The importance of managing potassium levels and renal function when using ACE inhibitors and ARBs 5
- The prescription rates of ACE inhibitors and ARBs in patients with hypertension and CKD 4
Related Information
While the studies do not provide a comprehensive list of CKD symptoms, they do highlight the importance of proper management and treatment of the disease. Some common symptoms of CKD include:
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
- High blood pressure
- Proteinuria (excess protein in the urine)
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
- Decreased urine output
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Note: These symptoms are not directly mentioned in the provided studies, but are generally associated with CKD.