Your kidneys are vital organ systems for maintaining health. They continuously work to filter waste, extra fluids, and toxins out of the blood while balancing the body’s electrolytes and producing hormones that are essential for optimal functioning. The organs usually suffer from many disorders but go unnoticed until they are at their worst. Therefore, the earlier you catch it, the better; one of the best tests for your kidney health is the kidney function test.
The kidney function test indicates how well your kidneys are filtering blood waste. It involves straightforward blood and urine tests, which can then tell critical details about your kidney function. This especially applies to high-risk individuals, such as those suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as those with a family history of kidney disease.
Knowledge about some of the body’s signals that indicate the need for a kidney function test may help you take steps proactively to maintain health. Common signs and symptoms will be briefly discussed here under the blog to indicate that getting a renal function test is prudent to stay ahead of potential kidney problems and lead a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle.
10 Common Symptoms That Indicate You Need a Kidney Function Test
So, just so you know, most kidney problems develop insidiously over a long duration until they become very profound, and given that, it is important to discover the early warning signs. Below are ten of the most common symptoms that may hint towards a kidney test:
- Swelling in the Hands, Feet, or Face
When the kidneys fail to flush out extra body fluids and sodium, there will be swelling, or edema, in the real sense. This fluid retention often manifests as puffiness of the hands, feet, legs, or face. Chronic swelling can also signify kidney conditions or failures that necessitate immediate investigation.
- Changes in Urination Patterns
Your kidneys maintain urine production; thus, any notable change in urination habits indicates that something’s amiss. Changes may include:
- Increased frequency – most noticeable at night
- Decreased output or straining to void
- Dark, cloudy, or tinged with blood urine
- Burning or foamy, which may suggest protein leakage
If any of these symptoms occur, consult your physician for a renal function test.
- Persistent Fatigue & Weakness
Inefficient operation of the kidney organs leads to insufficient filtration of wastes and toxins from the body, which will accumulate in the blood vessels. This will definitely lead to another condition, such as anemia, due to a reduction in the production of the erythropoietin hormone. Erythropoietin is a hormone responsible for stimulating the making of red blood cells. Hence, sera will have the two elements leading to an overall constant state of fatigue and weakness.
- High Blood Pressure
Hypertension can cause kidney disease, but high blood pressure is also a common symptom of the disease. Healthy kidneys perform their functions to increase blood pressure from the systemic with increased fluid levels in the body. They also produce renin, the hormone in the body that controls blood pressure. Will blood pressure keep on with its high readings even without medication and changes in lifestyle? Then, much may be achieved with the kidney function test.
- Loss of Appetite & Nausea
A decrease in appetite accompanied by nausea or even vomiting is usually associated with heightened blood urea levels. In some cases, this may cause metallic taste sensations in the mouth, thus reducing the appeal of food. If these symptoms persist, your doctor may advise tests for kidney function.
- Itchy Skin or Rashes
Kidneys eliminate waste and maintain electrolyte homeostasis, but when they fail, urea, creatinine, and other toxins can accumulate in the bloodstream, resulting in skin symptoms including dryness, itching, and flakiness. Parity chronic may also cause mineral imbalances, low calcium or high phosphorus levels, and further aggravate skin death.
- Shortness of Breath
Breathing discomfort may be tied to two possibilities. The topmost source would be liquid collecting in the lungs or, on the contrary, reduced production of red blood cells, leading to anemia. The liquid collecting in the lungs reduces their effectiveness and an underprivileged oxygen supply results when the body lacks adequate red blood cells due to anemia. Thus, medically, they should be seen for unexplained shortness.
- Unexplained Back Pain or Flank Pain
Lower back, sides, or abdomen may indicate the presence of kidney stones, infections, or some cysts. Chronic pain in those regions is often associated with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) or urinary tract obstructions. If the symptoms continue to let scientists know what to do, this could require a kidney function test.
- Foamy or Bubbly Urine
The release of extra bubbles or foam in urine may be due to high protein levels, a condition called proteinuria. Healthy kidneys usually preserve proteins in the blood, but when the glomeruli in the kidney are damaged, they can’t retain proteins in the blood but allow them to leak and end up in the urine. Foamy urine is an early sign of kidney problems and should not be ignored.
- Allergic Reactions & High IgE Levels
Raised IgE levels, which can be seen from an IgE test, are typical expressions of allergic reactions. There are allergic conditions that indirectly burden the kidneys, leading to inflammation or damage to the organ. Therefore, repeated bouts of allergic symptoms or elevated IgE levels with other kidney symptoms may prompt the need for a kidney function test to establish further results when conducted.
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The Final Words
These organs are crucial to your well-being. Early detection of kidney disorders can have a considerable difference in treatment outcomes. If you feel like experiencing any of the above symptoms, you have to consult a doctor for a kidney function test. If done early, tests like these preserve kidney function and are useful in preventing worsening complications. This is taking care of your kidneys and moving toward a healthier and longer life. There is no need to hesitate or think longer if the symptoms persist with kidney health issues!
