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Constantly tired? You can be at risk of serious kidney disease

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Fatigue has now become an extremely common issue. It is not just every stress, but it can also be due to be your kidneys.

Constantly tired? You can be at risk of serious kidney disease - Here's how

Feeling tired all day long? A lot of us relate with this feeling of persistent fatigue. While we do complain, do we really comprehend the risk it runs? It could be just the tip of the iceberg pertaining to health.  Sometimes, our daily lives are flooded with day-to-day tasks which can cause a feeling of burnout or overload. This feeling of extreme tiredness is fatigue. Although fatigue might seem like a harmless symptom, it can sometimes hint at an underlying disease. Fatigue, which is caused for longer periods, even after adequate rest can be an alarming signal, pointing towards issues with the kidneys.

How Kidney Diseases Lead to Fatigue?

Fatigue is a constant feeling of being tired and deprived of energy. It makes one feel worn out, tired, heavy, and slow. According to Dr Udit Gupta, Consultant – Nephrologist,Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, when one is diagnosed with kidney diseases, fatigue is induced due to major factors:

  • Decreased Red Blood Cells: The kidneys produce a particular hormone which is called Erythropoietin (EPO). It is an important component in the production of red blood cells (RBCs). The RBCs are in turn crucial to drive the oxygen to the blood. When the kidneys get damaged, they produce less EPO due to which, less oxygen is delivered. This can cause anaemia, which causes a feeling of fatigue.
  • Build-up of toxic chemicals: As the kidney deteriorates, the level of fatigue also increases. One of the key functions of the kidneys is to filter out toxins and flush them out of the system. The malfunction of the kidneys can cause this process to be hindered which causes a build-up of toxins, and further causes fatigue.

There can be various other reasons for fatigue can be – certain prescribed medications, less exercise and physical activity, emotional distress, and other medical conditions can be – sleep apnoea, severe anaemia, etc.

Symptoms

  • Frequent urination: During kidney diseases, urination can be affected drastically. There can be an urge to urinate more frequently at night, this is because the kidney filters may have become damaged. One can check if there is blood in their urine, which can be a major sign of kidney disease. This is because the kidney filters cause the blood cells to remain in the bloodstream.
  • Swollen feet and ankles: The compromised kidney function does not filter toxins and excess salts in the body. This can cause salt retention and can induce swelling in the lower extremities, which can be feet and ankles.
  • Puffiness around the eyes: When the body releases foamy urine, it indicates the presence of protein. The damaged kidneys can falter in releasing excessive protein in the urine. The puffiness around the eyes can be an early sign of kidney damage.
  • Dry and itchy skin: In a deteriorated stage, the kidneys can cause excessive water to be excreted out of the body. When the kidneys cannot remove the waste out of the body, it can build up in the blood and cause itching.

Tips to Manage it

  1. Exercising: One can exercise during the day, which will help one to burn energy. This can help one to fall asleep and have a sound sleep at night. It is essential to check with a doctor regarding what exercises are suited to you.
  2. Getting enough sleep: It is essential to sleep to keep the body functioning and well-rested. One needs to have a proper sleep pattern and maintain consistency in sleeping and waking up times. Managing stress is also an important part of the prevention of kidney diseases.
  3. Drinking fluids: Proper fluid intake is crucial for kidney health. It is also important to drink fluids like – juices and water and avoiding caffeinated beverages and alcohol.
  4. Fatigue and constant tiredness are often overlooked symptoms that could indicate chronic kidney disease. Recognising and addressing these signs early is vital to prevent further complications. If you’re experiencing persistent tiredness, consult a doctor promptly. In severe cases, treatments like dialysis or kidney transplants can make a significant difference in quality of life and long-term health.




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