Mr. Li, 38 years old, has experienced frequent nocturia over the past three months, getting up to urinate 4 to 5 times each night. He also suffered from loss of appetite and dull pain in the waist. He had always thought it was due to his irregular schedule recently. However, one day he noticed that his urine color was as dark as strong tea. After a hospital check-up, he was diagnosed with stage 2 chronic kidney disease.
Chen Wen, the director of the Nephrology Department of Hainan Chengmei Hospital, introduced that in clinical practice, there are many patients like Mr. Li who ignore the early signals of kidney disease. The incidence rate of chronic kidney disease in China is as high as 10.8%, which means that one out of every ten people is affected. However, the early awareness rate is less than 12%, and many patients are diagnosed at the middle or late stage when they are discovered.
Abnormal urine and edema: Direct early warnings of kidney diseases
So, exactly what symptoms are the kidneys giving out as warnings? Director Chen Wen stated that as the bodys "filter", when the kidneys have problems, the urine will be the first to issue an "alert". Normal urine is clear and light yellow. If it suddenly turns dark brown like strong tea or bloody like washed meat water, or if there are a large amount of fine bubbles in the toilet bowl after urination that do not dissipate within 10 minutes, one should be cautious of hematuria or proteinuria, which indicates that the kidneys filtering function has been impaired.
At the same time, the decline in the kidneys ability to regulate water and salt balance can lead to water accumulation and edema. In the early stage, it is often manifested as eyelid edema upon waking up in the morning. In severe cases, edema may occur in the lower limbs, ankles, or even throughout the body. Director Chen Wen particularly emphasized that if the edema does not subside or is accompanied by a significant increase in weight within a short period of time, it is necessary to seek medical attention at the hospitals nephrology department for examination and diagnosis in a timely manner.
Abnormal blood pressure and nocturia: Key indicators of kidney damage
"About 60% of patients with chronic kidney disease will experience elevated blood pressure," said Director Chen Wen. "When the kidneys are damaged, they secrete excessive renin, which can lead to abnormal blood pressure. Unlike primary hypertension, renal hypertension is often accompanied by headaches, dizziness, and palpitations, and the effect of antihypertensive drugs alone is not satisfactory. Young patients with sudden blood pressure elevation should especially be screened for kidney diseases."
In addition, a normal adult urinates 0 to 1 time at night. If one gets up to urinate more than twice a night and the urine volume exceeds one-third of the total daily urine volume, it is considered as nocturia. This is a sign of decreased concentrating function of the kidneys. Long-term nocturia not only affects sleep but also is an important signal of reduced kidney function, and a renal function test is required.
Weakness and anemia symptoms: Unignorable signals of kidney disease
Erythropoietin secreted by the kidneys helps produce red blood cells. When kidney function is impaired, its secretion decreases, which can cause renal anemia, leading to pale complexion, dizziness, weakness, palpitations and shortness of breath in patients. Many patients mistake it for common anemia and blindly take blood supplements while ignoring kidney problems. Director Chen Wen said that if there is unexplained anemia accompanied by symptoms such as loss of appetite and nausea and vomiting, chronic kidney disease should be suspected.
Director Chen Wen reminds that the early symptoms of chronic kidney disease are not typical and can be easily confused with other diseases. It is recommended to regularly conduct the "golden triangle" tests of urine routine, renal function and kidney ultrasound, which is helpful for early detection of the disease. In daily life, it is necessary to develop a healthy lifestyle, control blood pressure and blood sugar well, and avoid the abuse of drugs to reduce the burden on the kidneys. Once the above abnormal symptoms occur, it is recommended to visit the nephrology department of a regular hospital in time and do not delay.
Expert Introduction
Chen Wen, Chief Physician
Chief of Nephrology Department
Leading talents in Hainan Province
Outstanding Experts with Distinguished Contributions in Hainan Province
Medical expertise
Proficient in primary glomerular diseases, IGA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, hypertensive nephropathy, uric acid nephropathy, and diabetic nephropathy; especially skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of critical and difficult diseases in nephrology, as well as clinical pathological diagnosis and treatment; familiar with the indications, complications, diagnosis and treatment of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis; capable of establishing temporary and long-term vascular dialysis access, peritoneal dialysis access, and handling their complications.
Article | Huang Fei