What should you know about chronic kidney disease clinical manifestations?

As filtering function declines, the body may retain salt and water, leading to ankle swelling, breathlessness or changes in blood pressure. Waste products can contribute to nausea, reduced appetite, itching, restless legs or difficulty concentrating. Reduced kidney signalling can contribute to anaemia and tiredness. Urination may become more frequent, especially at night, or urine may look foamy or blood-stained, although symptoms vary and may come from other conditions. A person can have chronic kidney disease without obvious symptoms, which is why blood and urine testing matters.

Record new symptoms, their timing and any changes in weight or urination, then arrange a clinical review. Bring a complete list of prescribed medicines, pain relievers and supplements. A clinician may check blood pressure, kidney blood tests, urine, blood count and medicines. Do not self-treat swelling by changing fluids or diuretics. Managing conditions such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes, avoiding smoking and attending monitoring visits can reduce further strain on the kidneys.

Seek prompt care for rapidly worsening swelling, much less urine, blood in the urine, persistent vomiting, severe weakness or increasing breathlessness. Emergency assessment is needed for severe breathlessness, chest pain, collapse, new confusion or inability to pass urine. Sudden symptoms can signal an acute problem even in someone already known to have chronic kidney disease.

Ask which symptoms may reflect fluid or waste build-up, what your blood and urine results show, whether anaemia is present, and when testing should be repeated.