• Published on: Aug 05, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: SecondMedic Expert

11 Signs You May Have Kidney Disease

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Think of your body like a big team, working together like musicians in a band. Each part has a special job, and your kidneys are like the quiet heroes doing an important task – cleaning up the mess and making sure everything runs smoothly. But what if there's a problem? It turns out there might be a sneaky issue called kidney disease.

In this blog, we're going to talk about 11 signs that your body might be telling you about possible kidney problems. Knowing these kidney disease symptoms can help you start taking better care of yourself, so let's figure out what your kidneys might be trying to say.

1.Peeing Changes:

Early signs that your kidneys might need help include changes in how you pee. Keep an eye out for peeing more or less often, pee that looks different, or if it's foamy. These small changes might be your body saying there's a problem.

2.Feeling Tired All the Time:

Do you often feel tired, even after a good night's sleep? It's like your body's batteries aren't charging up properly. Well, your kidneys might be having a tough time cleaning out the yucky stuff from your body, and this can make you feel tired a lot. If you're always feeling exhausted, it's a sign that your kidneys might need a little extra care.

3.Swelling and Puffiness:

Sometimes, when your kidneys aren't working their best, it can mess up the balance of fluids in your body. This might cause swelling, making your hands, face, or legs puff up. If you notice this happening, it's like your body waving a flag to let you know something might be up with your kidneys. Don't ignore it – pay attention.

4.Blood in Pee:

Seeing blood while peeing is a big sign that something might be wrong with your kidneys. It could mean there's an infection or even a more serious problem. If you see this happening, it's super important to go see a doctor right away. They can help figure out what's going on and how to fix it. Don't wait.

5.High Blood Pressure:

Your kidneys and blood pressure are like good friends who always stick together. If your kidneys aren't doing their job properly, it can make your blood pressure go up. But guess what? If your blood pressure is too high, it can also hurt your kidneys. It's like a two-way road where both sides need a bit of help. So, if you notice this happening, it's time to take care of both your kidneys and your blood pressure. They need your attention to stay healthy.

6.Back Pain:

Your kidneys are in your lower back. If your lower back hurts a lot and you don't know why, it might be a problem. Don't ignore it, especially if the pain is where your kidneys are.

7.Changes in Appetite:

Sometimes, if your kidneys are not feeling well, it can affect how hungry or interested you are in eating. You might not feel like eating, or you could even feel a bit sick to your stomach. If you notice you're not enjoying food or it's hard to digest, it's important to look into it a bit more.

8.Strange Taste in Your Mouth:

Sometimes, if your kidneys aren't doing well, your sense of taste might change. You might notice a weird metallic or ammonia-like taste in your mouth. If your mouth tastes strange like this, it could mean your kidneys are asking for help.

9.Dry, Itchy Skin:

Think of your kidneys as superheroes keeping everything in balance inside your body. But if they're not doing well, your skin might get dry and itchy. So, if your skin feels weird, it's a good idea to check how your kidneys are doing.

10.Trouble Paying Attention:

Sometimes, when your kidneys are not working well, it can make it hard for your brain to focus. You might feel like your mind is a bit cloudy, and you have a tough time concentrating. If you notice this happening often and forget things more than usual, it's a sign to think about your overall health.

11.Puffy Eyes:

Sometimes, when you wake up, your eyes might look a bit swollen and stay that way. Did you know that kidney problems could be the reason? The kidneys may keep too much salt in your body, causing puffiness, especially around your eyes. If your eyes stay puffy often, it could be more than just not getting enough sleep. Watch out for it.


Your body talks to you in its special way, and it's important to listen. If you notice any of these kidney disease symptoms, don't ignore them. Kidney problems can be taken care of, especially if you catch them early. Pay attention to what your body is saying, talk to a healthcare expert, and do things to keep your kidneys healthy. Your health is like a beautiful song, and your kidneys are like the hidden heroes that deserve a big cheer.

Read FAQs


A. The first stage of kidney failure is often called "kidney damage with normal or increased filtration rate." It means that your kidneys are not working as well as they should, but you might not have noticeable symptoms yet. Regular checkups and tests can help catch it early.

A. To naturally keep your kidneys healthy, drink plenty of water to flush out toxins. Eating fruits and veggies, like watermelon, cucumbers, and berries, is good for your kidneys. Avoid too much salt and processed foods. Also, try to maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and avoid smoking.

A. Yes, you can live a long life with kidney disease, especially if you take good care of your health. Follow your doctor's advice, take prescribed medications, and make lifestyle changes like eating healthy and staying active. Regular checkups will help catch any issues early, giving you a better chance at a long and healthy life.

Read Blog
Sleep disorders

Sleep Disorder Treatment: Effective Ways to Restore Healthy Sleep

Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for physical restoration, mental clarity and emotional balance. Despite its importance, sleep disorders are increasingly common across all age groups. Millions of people struggle with poor sleep quality, difficulty falling asleep or frequent nighttime awakenings, often without seeking help.

Effective sleep disorder treatment plays a critical role in restoring healthy sleep patterns and preventing long-term health complications.

 

Understanding Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns, affecting the ability to fall asleep, stay asleep or achieve restorative sleep. They can be short-term or chronic and may occur due to lifestyle factors, medical conditions or psychological stress.

According to global and Indian health data, sleep disorders are underdiagnosed despite their strong association with chronic diseases.

 

Common Types of Sleep Disorders

Insomnia

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder.

It involves:

  • difficulty falling asleep
     

  • frequent awakenings
     

  • early morning waking
     

  • non-restorative sleep
     

Chronic insomnia significantly affects daily functioning.

 

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep.

Symptoms include:

  • loud snoring
     

  • daytime sleepiness
     

  • morning headaches
     

Untreated sleep apnea increases cardiovascular risk.

 

Restless Leg Syndrome

This condition causes uncomfortable leg sensations and an urge to move the legs, especially at night.

It disrupts sleep continuity and quality.

 

Circadian Rhythm Disorders

These occur when the body’s internal clock is misaligned with daily schedules, common in shift workers and frequent travellers.

 

Why Sleep Disorders Should Not Be Ignored

Chronic sleep problems increase the risk of:

  • heart disease
     

  • hypertension
     

  • diabetes
     

  • obesity
     

  • depression and anxiety
     

  • reduced immunity
     

Poor sleep affects both physical and mental health.

 

Causes of Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders often result from multiple factors, including:

  • chronic stress
     

  • irregular sleep schedules
     

  • excessive screen exposure
     

  • caffeine or alcohol use
     

  • medical conditions
     

  • mental health disorders
     

Identifying root causes is essential for effective treatment.

 

Diagnosis of Sleep Disorders

Diagnosis involves:

  • detailed sleep history
     

  • lifestyle assessment
     

  • medical evaluation
     

  • sleep studies in selected cases
     

Accurate diagnosis guides appropriate treatment.

 

Sleep Disorder Treatment Approaches

Behavioural and Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a highly effective non-drug treatment.

It focuses on:

  • correcting sleep-related thoughts
     

  • improving sleep routines
     

  • reducing anxiety around sleep
     

CBT-I is recommended as first-line treatment for chronic insomnia.

 

Lifestyle and Sleep Hygiene Measures

Good sleep hygiene includes:

  • maintaining regular sleep timings
     

  • limiting screen exposure before bedtime
     

  • creating a comfortable sleep environment
     

  • avoiding heavy meals late at night
     

These measures support natural sleep regulation.

 

Medical Management

Medications may be used:

  • short-term for severe symptoms
     

  • under medical supervision
     

Medication is often combined with behavioural therapy rather than used alone.

 

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Management may include:

  • weight management
     

  • positional therapy
     

  • continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices
     

  • treating underlying conditions
     

Early treatment reduces cardiovascular risk.

 

Role of Mental Health in Sleep Disorders

Sleep and mental health are closely connected.

Conditions such as anxiety and depression:

  • disrupt sleep architecture
     

  • worsen insomnia
     

  • require integrated treatment
     

Addressing mental health improves sleep outcomes.

 

Importance of Consistency in Treatment

Sleep disorder treatment requires:

  • patience
     

  • consistency
     

  • follow-up
     

Improvement may take weeks, but sustained effort yields lasting results.

 

Preventing Sleep Disorders

Preventive strategies include:

  • stress management
     

  • physical activity
     

  • balanced nutrition
     

  • limiting stimulants
     

  • maintaining work-life balance
     

Prevention is more effective than treatment alone.

 

Impact of Technology on Sleep

Excessive screen use affects melatonin production and delays sleep onset.

Reducing nighttime screen exposure significantly improves sleep quality.

 

When to Seek Professional Help

Consult a healthcare provider if:

  • sleep problems persist beyond two weeks
     

  • daytime functioning is affected
     

  • snoring and breathing pauses are noticed
     

  • sleepiness interferes with safety
     

Early treatment prevents complications.

 

Long-Term Benefits of Treating Sleep Disorders

Effective sleep disorder treatment leads to:

  • improved energy and concentration
     

  • better mood and emotional stability
     

  • reduced chronic disease risk
     

  • enhanced quality of life
     

Healthy sleep supports overall wellbeing.

 

Conclusion

Sleep disorder treatment is essential for restoring physical health, mental clarity and emotional balance. While sleep problems are common, they are not normal or harmless. Insomnia, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders can be effectively managed through behavioural therapy, lifestyle changes and medical care when needed. Early recognition and consistent treatment not only improve sleep quality but also protect long-term health. Prioritising sleep is a powerful step toward a healthier and more productive life.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Sleep Health and Lifestyle Studies
  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Sleep and Mental Health Guidelines
  • National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) – Sleep Disorders Research
  • Lancet Psychiatry – Sleep Disorders and Chronic Disease Risk
  • NITI Aayog – Mental Health and Preventive Healthcare Reports
  • Statista – Global Sleep Disorder Prevalence and Trends

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