Major Functions of the Kidneys:

• Filtering Waste: Remove toxins, excess salts, and waste products from the blood.
• Balancing Fluids: Maintain the right balance of water and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium).
• Regulating Blood Pressure: Produce hormones that regulate blood pressure.
• Red Blood Cell Production: Release a hormone called erythropoietin that stimulates red blood cell production.
• Maintaining Bone Health: Help regulate calcium and phosphate levels, vital for bone strength.

Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Issues:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Swelling in feet, ankles, or hands (due to fluid retention)
• Shortness of breath
• Foamy or discolored urine
• Blood in urine
• Persistent itching
• Nausea or vomiting
• High blood pressure

Common Reasons for Kidney Failure:

• Diabetes: High blood sugar damages blood vessels in the kidneys.
• High Blood Pressure: Damages the delicate filtering units in your kidneys.
• Chronic Infections: Repeated kidney infections (pyelonephritis) may cause long-term damage.
• Obstructions: Blocked urine flow from kidney stones or tumors.
• Medications: Long-term use of certain painkillers, antibiotics, or other medications.

Early Detection of Kidney Failure:

Kidney disease often shows no symptoms in early stages, so regular check-ups are key for early detection. Watch for any changes in your body and get tested if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.

Basic Tests to Detect Kidney Function:

• Blood Tests: Measure creatinine levels to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), an indicator of kidney function.
• Urine Tests: Check for protein or blood in the urine, which can be early signs of kidney damage.
• Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or CT scans to check for abnormalities in the kidneys.