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Signs and Symptoms of Right Kidney Disorders

Kidneys are bean-shaped organs, located just underneath the back of the ribcage, in charge of filtering waste out of the blood. The waste and excess water are directed into the bladder, where they become urine. Any damage to the kidneys results in a body's inability to remove toxins from the blood, which can lead to severe illness. Both kidneys function equally although the loss of one does not inhibit the other from working.

  1. Urination

    • One of the most obvious signs of malfunctioning kidneys is a change in urine. If the kidneys are not able to filter waste out of the blood as efficiently as they should, a person may experience increased night time urination, increased quantity of urine and increased urgency. Conversely, urination may decrease significantly and become more difficult. The consistency of urine may also change, and be foamy, bubbly, pale or dark.

    Swelling

    • Kidneys that are diseased or experiencing problems do not filter as much fluid into the urinary tract as they should. This fluid travels to the ankles, feet, face and/or hands, producing bloating and pressure.

    Fatigue

    • Failing kidneys cause extreme fatigue and energy loss. Erythropoietin, a hormone produced by kidneys, triggers the body to produce red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Kidneys that are diseased stop producing the hormone, which results in lack of oxygen supply to the body. This extends to consistent shortness of breath as well.

    Skin Problems/Metallic Taste

    • Because failing kidneys are no longer filtering the toxins from the blood, a person may experience several physical symptoms. Skin can become itchy with a rash while the ammonia in the blood causes bad breath and a foul taste in the person's mouth.

    Pain

    • Pain in the legs and flanks is a symptom of failing kidneys. Some kidney diseases cause fluid buildup in the kidneys, with accompanying inflammation and sensitivity. This swelling makes it easy to diagnose a problem in either the left or right kidney.

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