Kidney Warning Signs

Kidney Warning Signs 

As kidney function worsens, waste products build up and will make you feel bad. The most visible symptoms are often related to your appetite. Most people say that their appetite gets worse and they have nausea and often vomiting, especially in the mornings. Some persons notice a metallic or bad taste in their mouth. If you start to have nausea and vomiting almost daily, we need to contact your kidney doctor and will need to start on dialysis very soon.

Persons with worsening kidney failure may also have some or all of the following symptoms:
1. Change in color and frequency of urination 
2. Less urine output, or lack of urine 
3. Swelling in legs, feet and hands (more than usual) 
4. Increased tiredness/Fatigue/Low energy level 
5. Shortness of breath 
6. Trouble with memory or concentration/Drowsiness  
7. High blood pressure 
8. Headache 
9. Itching   

If these symptoms develop or if they worsen, you will need to contact your kidney doctor. Your doctor may want to see you in his/her office and get your labs checked. If you become short of breath, weak, confused or very sleepy, your family needs to take you to your local ER (Emergency Room) for evaluation immediately. Depending on your lab results and the medical evaluation by a doctor, you may need to stay in the hospital and start dialysis at this time.