Your kidneys work tirelessly filtering out your body’s waste, balancing your body’s fluids, and regulating your body’s electrolytes. How can you possibly know when your kidneys need your help? Ignoring early symptoms can have disastrous consequences. With an RFT Test, your doctor can assess your kidneys’ function. But when can you have a test? Let’s make it easier for you.
1. Long-term Weakness and Fatigue
Perhaps perpetual exhaustion isn’t necessarily a sleep deficit in and of itself. Poor kidney function can cause a build-up of toxins in your blood, making you feel sluggish. I have an example: my healthy 35-year-old friend, Rajesh, shrugged off exhaustion for months, blaming work-related stress. On a routine medical examination, compromised kidney function was discovered—just in time, I’m happy to report!
2. Changes in Urine Patterns
Your kidneys have a direct role in generating urine. Any discernible variation, including:
- Increased urination, particularly at nighttime
- Foamy, bubbly, or frothy urine
- Dark, bloody, or clouded urine
could signal underlying kidney issues. If you experience these changes, it’s best to check if your RFT Test Normal Range is within limits.
3. Swelling in Legs, Ankles, and Face
Ever noticed your shoes feeling tighter by evening? This could be fluid retention due to declining kidney function. A family member once brushed off his swollen feet as a minor issue, only to later discover that his kidneys weren’t filtering fluids properly.
4. High Blood Pressure That Won’t Budge
Your kidneys regulate blood pressure by controlling fluid levels and producing hormones. If your blood pressure remains stubbornly high despite medication and lifestyle changes, a renal function test is necessary. High blood pressure is both a cause and a result of kidney disease.
5. Loss of Appetite and Nausea
Toxins accumulating in your blood can make food seem unappetizing. If you’ve been experiencing frequent nausea or unexplained weight loss, your kidneys might not be clearing out waste effectively. Checking if your RFT Test Normal Range is within limits can help determine if your kidneys are the culprit.
6. Persistent Itching and Dry Skin
Your kidneys also help balance minerals in your body. When they struggle, waste products accumulate, leading to itching and dryness. A friend of mine suffered from extreme itchiness for months before realizing his kidney function was declining.
7. Shortness of Breath
In advanced kidney disease, fluid can accumulate in the lungs, making breathing difficult. If you find yourself gasping for air after mild activity, it’s worth checking your renal function.
Take Action Early
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to kidney damage that may not be reversible. Regular health checkups and timely renal function tests can help detect problems early. If you or a loved one experience any of these signs, don’t wait—consult a doctor.