People normally have two kidneys, each about the size of a fist. The kidneys perform several important functions for the body, including filtering the blood and separating toxic or waste products, as well as removing excess water via urine.

Furthermore, the kidneys maintain the body's electrolyte and mineral balance, produce hormones that regulate blood pressure, and aid in the production of red blood cells.

When kidneys are damaged, they are unable to function properly. As a result, toxins and waste will accumulate in your bloodstream, making you sick. Decreased kidney function can lead to kidney failure.

What is chronic renal failure?

Chronic kidney failure is a severe condition in which kidney function gradually deteriorates over time. It can happen as a result of a variety of factors.

High blood pressure and poorly managed diabetes are two of the leading causes of chronic kidney failure. In addition, people with heart disease, a family history of kidney disease, abnormal kidney structure or size, long-term painkiller use, and being over the age of 60 are more likely to develop chronic renal failure.

Read more: Get To Know the 5 Stages of Kidney Failure

Watch out for signs of chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney failure is not a sudden event. The decline in kidney function is gradual, allowing the condition to be classified into five stages.

In the early stages of this condition's development, you may not notice any symptoms or only notice minor signs of kidney damage. Symptoms will worsen as the condition progresses.

Symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue and weakness
• Sleep problems
• Urinating less or more frequently than usual
• Muscle cramps
• Swelling in the feet or ankles
• Dry and itchy skin
• High blood pressure that is difficult to control
• Shortness of breath due to fluid buildup in the lungs
• Chest pain due to fluid buildup around the heart wall
• Puffy eyes
• Bubbly urine
• Difficulty concentrating
• Numbness or tingling
• Darker-colored skin

Read more: Symptoms Of Acute Renal Failure And Proper Preventive Measures

Often, the initial symptoms are similar to those of other health conditions, leaving you unsure of what to do. The best course of action when experiencing symptoms of any disease, including chronic kidney disease symptoms, is to consult and see a doctor.

The doctor will recommend tests to determine what is causing you to experience the symptoms you are complaining about. In chronic kidney disease, the doctor will typically order a blood test to determine the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), creatinine level, or a urine test to look for protein and blood in the urine.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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