Kidney Disease - Common Symptoms
Symptoms of renal failure do not usually appear until there is moderate to severe renal failure.
In the advanced stages, kidney failure can cause some or all of the following symptoms:
- tiredness or fatigue;
- pallor (poor colour);
- frequent urination (going to the toilet often);
- nausea (feeling sick) and
- swelling of the legs.
A doctor should always be consulted about any of the above symptoms. However, most people experience no symptoms, particularly in the early stages of the disease. When kidney disease is detected early, changes to lifestyle and diet can slow the disease and prevent serious consequences.
There are also specific medications available that can slow or prevent the progression of kidney failure.
After kidney disease is confirmed, different tests determine the type and extent of kidney damage and the subsequent treatments that would be effective.