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Signs & Symptoms of Low Kidney Function

The kidneys are located just below the ribcage and near the middle of the back. They filter your blood, water and other fluids and remove waste products. These waste products come from the process of digestion and the breakdown of tissue. At the same time, the kidneys release back into the bloodstream any chemicals that are necessary to keep your body functioning. Your kidneys are critical organs and if they are not functioning at their full level, you may experience the following signs and symptoms.

  1. Early Symptoms

    • You may have no symptoms or warnings at all when the kidneys first begin to function improperly. In some patients in the early stages, there may be symptoms such as a frequent urge to urinate, or you may not need to urinate as frequently as you usually do. You may also feel tired and have trouble concentrating.

    Other Early Signs

    • If the kidneys are not fully cleaning your system, you may notice swelling in the hands and/or feet. You may also experience dark spots or patches on the skin. Another sign that the kidneys are not working includes muscle cramps, especially if they occur at night.

    Watch for Changes in Blood Pressure

    • According to the National Kidney Foundation, there are some simple tests that can help to determine your risk for kidney disease that may help to catch it in its early stage. This includes checking your blood pressure. Having high blood pressure can put you at higher risk of having kidney disease.

    Calculated Glomerular Filtration Rate

    • This test also called as cGFR can help to detect kidney disease by monitoring your levels of serum creatinine. The level of this chemical will be higher in the blood if the kidneys are not functioning properly. This happens because there is a lower amount of creatinine being excretion in the urine.

    Other Changes to the Blood Composition

    • When your kidneys are not properly filtering, the levels of other blood components will also be changed. This includes blood, urea, nitrogen, protein, calcium, phosphorus and potassium. If your doctor suspects kidney disease, he or she can order the appropriate tests.

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