World Kidney Day: Kidney disease is a growing health issue worldwide, with diabetes and high blood pressure being the main causes of kidney failure. In India, kidney problems are on the rise. Early detection and treatment are crucial, especially for women. Dr Manoj Arora, Director, Nephrology and Renal Transplant Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, shares the early symptoms of kidney disease in women and why it’s important to recognise them early.
Early Signs of Kidney Disease in Women
Kidney disease often develops without obvious symptoms, so early signs are critical for diagnosis and treatment. Dr Arora explains the common early symptoms in women.
Urinary Symptoms
Urinary issues are often the first signs of kidney disease in women. These may include:
- Foamy urine: This can mean that protein is leaking from the kidneys.
- Blood in urine: This could signal a kidney infection or other kidney problems.
- Pain in the side or lower back: This might be due to kidney stones or infection.
- Frequent urination with a burning feeling: This could be linked to urinary tract infections or kidney issues.
General Symptoms
In addition to urinary symptoms, there are other general signs that women may notice, such as:
- Swelling in the face: This swelling can spread to other parts of the body, like the ankles and legs.
- Extreme tiredness: This fatigue can develop over weeks and make daily activities difficult.
- Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms can occur as waste builds up in the body.
- Muscle cramps: These may happen due to imbalances in body salts caused by kidney problems.
Other Risk Factors
Women with certain health conditions are at higher risk of kidney disease. These include:
- Anaemia: Low red blood cell counts can be linked to kidney disease because the kidneys help produce red blood cells.
- Diabetes: Women with diabetes should regularly check their kidney function, as diabetes can damage the kidneys.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure can both cause and result from kidney disease. Women with high blood pressure should get tested for kidney issues.
Dr Arora stresses the importance of regular kidney check-ups, especially for women with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.
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Kidney Disease During Pregnancy
Pregnant women should watch for symptoms that could indicate kidney problems, such as:
- High blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy: This could be a sign of kidney issues.
- Protein in urine: This may indicate kidney disease during pregnancy.
Dr Arora advises pregnant women with these symptoms to be closely monitored by their doctor to prevent kidney complications.
Simple Tests for Kidney Disease
Early diagnosis is key to managing kidney disease. Dr Arora recommends the following tests:
- Urine Test: This checks for abnormalities like protein, blood, or pus in the urine, which could indicate kidney problems.
- Kidney Function Test: This measures how well the kidneys are working by checking levels of waste products like urea and creatinine.
- Ultrasound: This imaging test can show structural issues in the kidneys, such as small kidneys or cysts.
Kidney disease in women often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe. Women, especially those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or pregnancy-related issues, should regularly monitor their kidney health. Simple tests and early treatment can greatly improve outcomes and prevent the disease from worsening.
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