In the hustle and bustle of life in Cebu, it’s easy to overlook the quiet whispers our bodies send us. We blame fatigue on a long day at work, or swelling in our feet on the heat. But our bodies have a complex system of “silent workers,” and none are more vital than our kidneys.
Your kidneys work 24/7 to filter waste, balance fluids, and regulate blood pressure. When they start to struggle, the signs can be subtle. Ignoring them can lead to serious problems down the road.
As part of our commitment to the health of our fellow Cebuanos, we want to empower you with knowledge. Here are five early warning signs of kidney disease that you should never ignore.
1. Changes in How You Urinate
Because your kidneys make urine, any significant and lasting changes in your urinary habits are a key signal. Pay attention if you experience:
- A need to urinate more frequently, especially at night.
- Urine that is foamy or bubbly (this can indicate protein in the urine).
- Urine that is darker, brown, red, or pale.
- A feeling of pressure or difficulty when urinating.
The Kidney Connection: Healthy kidneys filter waste to create urine. When they are damaged, this process is disrupted, leading to these noticeable changes.
2. Persistent Swelling (Edema)
Have you noticed your ankles and feet are puffy, a condition many Filipinos call “manas”? Do your rings feel tighter, or do you wake up with a puffy face? This swelling, or edema, is a classic sign.
The Kidney Connection: Damaged kidneys can’t effectively remove excess sodium and fluid from your body. This extra fluid builds up in your tissues, causing swelling in your feet, ankles, hands, and face.
3. Constant Fatigue and Weakness
Feeling tired all the time, even with enough sleep? A deep, bone-weary fatigue that you can’t shake could be one of the most common kidney disease symptoms.
The Kidney Connection: This happens for two main reasons. First, waste products build up in your blood, making you feel weak. Second, healthy kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which tells your body to make oxygen-carrying red blood cells. When kidneys fail, they make less EPO, leading to anemia and the resulting fatigue.
4. Shortness of Breath
If you get winded easily from simple activities like climbing stairs or walking a short distance, your kidneys might be involved.
The Kidney Connection: This can be linked to kidney trouble in two ways. First, extra fluid can build up in your lungs. Second, as mentioned above, anemia (a shortage of red blood cells) starves your body of oxygen, leaving you feeling short of breath.
5. Unexplained Itchy Skin
Severe and persistent itchiness that isn’t caused by an allergy or a visible rash can be a sign of mineral and bone disease that often accompanies advanced kidney disease.
The Kidney Connection: When your kidneys can no longer keep the right balance of minerals and nutrients in your blood, this imbalance can cause severe itching. It’s a sign that the kidneys are failing to remove waste from the bloodstream.
When to See a Doctor in Cebu?
If you consistently notice one or more of these signs, don’t panic, but don’t ignore them either. It is crucial to consult your family doctor or a nephrologist in Cebu. This is especially important if you have major risk factors like:
- Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure
- A family history of kidney failure
- Are over the age of 60
A simple set of blood and urine tests can help check your kidney health and provide peace of mind.
Your Health is Your Greatest Wealth (Ang Imong Maayong Panglawas, Imong Bahandi)
Early detection is the key to preventing kidney disease from progressing. By listening to your body and seeking medical advice when something feels off, you are taking the most important step in protecting your long-term health.
At Healing Hands, our mission extends beyond our clinic walls. We are dedicated to building a healthier Cebu, one informed individual at a time.
Don’t guess about your health. Get answers.
If you are concerned about any of these symptoms, speak with your doctor. If you need a specialist consultation or a second opinion, our expert team is here to provide guidance.
Contact Healing Hands: Center for Renal Dialysis today at 0991 206 0990 or visit us at 2nd Floor South Town Center, N. Bacalso Rd, Bulacao, Talisay City, Cebu City