Signs & Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney disease symptoms usually show up only when it is at a serious stage. That is why it is crucial to be aware of conditions that may predispose you to kidney disease. The best way to know if you have kidney disease is to get your kidneys checked with blood and urine tests. 

The most common signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease may include:

  • dark urine
  • blood in urine
  • protein in urine
  • decreased urine output
  • more frequent urination, especially at night
  • persistent itching
  • chest pain (fluid building up around the lining of the heart)
  • fatigue
  • hypertension
  • decreased mental alertness
  • anemia
  • sleeplessness
  • muscle cramps
  • nausea
  • pain on the side or mid to lower back
  • shortness of breath (fluid building up in the lungs)
  • swelling of feet and ankles
  • high blood pressure (hypertension)

That being said, symptoms of chronic kidney disease are often non-specific (which means they can also be caused by other illnesses). So regular health screening will help you detect kidney disease earlier.

Battling the chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be a daunting and exhausting journey. And the treatments for CKD varies for everyone based on their medical history, current medical conditions, lifestyle and diet. That is why a personalised approach is crucial. If you need any advice on chronic kidney disease (CKD) from a renal specialist in Singapore, feel free to reach out to Dr Francisco here.

More info on Chronic Kidney Disease:

What is chronic kidney disease
Stages of chronic kidney disease
Treatments for chronic kidney disease
Renal diet for chronic kidney disease patients
Kidney dialysis for chronic kidney disease patients