What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Failure to Look Out For?

Blog Post
By South Valley Vascular
July 11, 2022

It’s possible to have kidney disease and not even know it. Some of the signs of kidney failure are associated with other medical conditions as well. As a result, the symptoms of kidney failure are often overlooked. Getting evaluated by a medical professional is the only way to confirm you have kidney disease. And if you have any of the kidney failure symptoms mentioned below, see your medical professional as soon as possible.

Top Kidney Failure Symptoms

People should be in tune with their bodies enough to know when something isn’t quite right. For example, some of these kidney failure symptoms can happen in everyday life. But there’s also usually a reason associated with them, so you should never overlook them. Pay attention to your body and consider medical care if you experience any of these kidney failure signs:

  • Fatigue - Excess impurities and toxins in your blood often occur when experiencing kidney failure. This can cause people to feel more sluggish than normal.
  • Not sleeping well - Toxins can remain in the bloodstream instead of releasing through urine when kidneys aren’t working correctly. This can impact a person’s sleep drastically.
  • Urge to urinate often - The urge to urinate more often happens when kidney filters aren’t working properly. This symptom can happen throughout the day but is more common at night.
  • Blood in your urine - Damaged kidneys can lead to blood being passed through urine. Healthy kidneys will prevent blood cells from leaving the body.
  • Swollen feet, ankles, or legs - When kidneys are not functioning properly, the body might retain sodium more. The result is swollen extremities on the lower part of the body.

What Can Cause Kidney Failure?

Sometimes it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what causes kidney failure. Seeing a medical professional is the only way to find out, and a series of tests might be required. One cause of kidney failure could be when blood flow to the kidneys is slowed. Heart disease, heart attacks, or liver failure could contribute to reduced blood flow. Or certain blood pressure medication or other types of drugs could cause impaired blood flow.

People who have underlying conditions or diseases could be more at risk of developing kidney failure as well. Blood clots and cholesterol deposits can prevent blood flow into the kidneys and cause damage. Certain infections could also lead to kidney failure if not treated correctly or quickly enough by a medical professional. 

When Should You See A Medical Professional?

Just because you experience one of the above symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you need emergency medical attention. However, it’s critical to monitor your symptoms for improvements or if they continue getting worse. For example, sometimes drinking alcohol or eating salty foods can cause swollen extremities, fatigue, and the inability to sleep well. But the symptoms should subside after a day or two if those factors are the main causes. If you have any known underlying diseases or conditions, though, it’s best to be cautious and seek medical attention soon.

At South Valley Vascular, our goal is to provide top quality vascular care you can’t receive anywhere else. We provide a wide range of treatment options, including Dialysis Access Care, to ensure every patient receives adequate support. We understand kidney failure can be easily overlooked, so it’s important to visit us soon after experiencing symptoms. 

Our professional staff will provide you with the treatment options you need to live your life with peace of mind. Reach out to us today at (559) 625-4118 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our practice.