Silent Kidney Disease: Kidney disease is called a silent killer, let us tell you what its symptoms are and why we should not ignore these kidney symptoms.

Symptoms of kidney failure

Early Detection of Kidney Disease: The kidneys are one of the most vital organs in the body. They are fist-sized, bean-like structures located just below the ribs on either side of the spine. The kidneys' primary function is to filter impurities and excess water from the blood and excrete them in the form of urine. They also play a crucial role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, controlling blood pressure, and producing hormones essential for bones and red blood cells.

What do experts say?

According to Dr. Mohan Patel, consultant nephrologist and transplant physician at Manavta Hospital, Nashik, kidney disease is often called a "silent killer" because it doesn't show symptoms in the early stages. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of kidney damage. Early kidney damage often causes no pain or discomfort, making it difficult to diagnose without testing.

A urine test is necessary.

This is why it's crucial for people with diabetes or high blood pressure to have regular blood and urine tests, even if they feel perfectly healthy. However, some kidney-related problems can cause pain. Pain can arise in conditions like kidney stones, infections, or tumors. Importantly, this pain doesn't always have to be felt in the kidneys.

There may be pain in these parts of the body.

Sometimes, kidney pain is felt in other parts of the body, which is medically known as "referred pain." For example, when a kidney stone or tumor obstructs the ureter (the tube leading from the kidney to the bladder), severe pain may start in the back and spread to the lower abdomen, thigh, or private parts. This is called ureteric colic.

These symptoms should not be ignored.

Kidney-related pain is often felt in the lower back, and people often dismiss it as muscle pain. However, if the pain is deep, lasts for a long time, and is accompanied by symptoms like fever or changes in urine, then one should be cautious. In some cases, abdominal pain can also be a sign of a kidney infection or abscess. In severe kidney failure, swelling around the heart can occur, leading to chest pain. In diabetic patients, pain, burning, or swelling in the legs can also be a sign of kidney failure.

Doctors clearly state that early kidney disease usually doesn't cause pain. However, when pain appears, don't take it lightly. People at risk for kidney disease should get regular checkups instead of waiting for pain. Early detection can prevent serious kidney damage.