Common Symptoms Of Uremia

Muscle Cramps

One of the side effects of kidney failure and uremia is elevated potassium in the body, resulting in hyperkalemia, of which muscle cramps are a symptom. High levels of potassium adversely affect smooth, skeletal muscle, which can translate to nausea and abdominal cramping. Additionally, patients may experience fatigue, muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, or diarrhea. High levels of potassium are a surprisingly deadly symptom in late-stage kidney disease. As the kidneys begin to fail and stop filtering phosphorus from the blood, they will also stop properly filtering potassium.

Unfortunately, the symptoms are usually so subtle that patients don't know this is happening until cardiac symptoms occur. As long as patients are regularly checking in with a doctor, they will be told whether they should keep an eye on their potassium. Cramps can also occur in the lower back; it is common to experience dull aching. Seek emergency medical help for sharp, severe, stabbing pains, however, as this is not consistent with kidney failure flank pain.

Concentration Problems

Concentration problems are also common with uremia and kidney failure. If individuals are at risk for kidney disease due to a family history of the condition, or if they have either diabetes or high blood pressure, or if they are older than sixty, it is best to get tested once a year for kidney disease. It is equally important to discuss with a doctor any new symptoms. Those with kidney failure have noticeably less energy, difficulty with concentration, and are more tired overall.

When kidneys stop working, the blood gets filled with impurities, toxins, and other substances that slow them down. This results in feeling weak, tired, and unable to focus, which is doubly true thanks to the anemia kidney failure can cause as iron levels deplete. Over thirty million American adults unknowingly live with kidney disease, believing their symptoms to be the result of other conditions, delaying treatment until high levels of protein are already found in the urine.