Looking Beyond Creatinine: Early Warning Signs of Kidney Disease, Doctor Urges Not to Ignore

Kidney disease is also referred to as a “silent condition,” which means that most people are unaware of the signs and symptoms of kidney disease until it is in advanced stages. Although blood tests are commonly used to detect kidney problems by measuring creatinine levels, several signs and symptoms of kidney disease may be detected at earlier stages if individuals are aware of them.

The kidneys are vital organs in the human body that filter waste, regulate fluid balance, and help maintain metabolic well-being. When kidney function begins to decline, the body may exhibit signs that are often overlooked or misattributed to fatigue or other aspects of daily life.

One of the first symptoms of kidney disease is fatigue, cramps, and low energy. When the kidney fails to function optimally, toxins may accumulate in the blood, which can cause fatigue and weakness. Other symptoms include leg swelling and facial puffiness due to fluid accumulation. Patients can also present with changes in urination habits, which might manifest as increased urination at night, foamy urine, or even bloody urine. Foamy urine may indicate proteinuria, a symptom of kidney disease.

As a doctor, I always recommend that people who are suffering from diabetes, hypertension, or obesity or who have a family history of kidney disease should be more cautious and undergo health check-ups to ensure early detection of kidney disease before serious damage occurs.

The message is simple: kidney disease does not always scream for attention. Be aware of the small changes in the body and seek early medical advice. The best way to protect the kidneys and prevent complications is through early detection.

It is important to follow 8 golden rules for kidney health.

1. Keep fit, be active
2. Eat a healthy diet
3. Check and control your blood sugar
4. Check and control your blood pressure
5. Take appropriate fluid intake
6. Don’t smoke
7. Don’t take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory/pain-killer pills regularly
8. Get your kidney function checked if you have any ‘high risk’ factors such as diabetes, hypertension or obesity