What Are the Symptoms of Uremia?
At the initial stages of chronic kidney disease, you may not experience any symptoms. However, the first stages of uremia are usually characterized by severe kidney damage. Uremia may lead to a wide of variety of symptoms.
At the beginning of chronic kidney disease, you may not notice any symptoms. However, by the time uremia has started, your kidneys are much damaged.
The symptoms of uremia are similar to those of chronic kidney disease. This means that people with kidney disease who have kidney failure may not know they have uremia until the condition has progressed. People with kidney disease must go for regular blood checkup and urinalysis to detect any negative changes in your kidney.
Symptoms of uremia may vary between individuals, and may change with time. They may first show improvement, and then deteriorate again.
Kidney disease is a life-threatening disease, so it is important to contact your doctor regulalry and early if you think you have either uremia or kidneys. Uremia may cause you to have some of the following symptoms:
- A cluster of symptoms called uremic neuropathy or nerve damage due to kidney failure. Neuropathy can cause tingling, numbness, or electrical sensations in the body, particularly the hands and feet.
- Weakness, exhaustion, and confusion. These symptoms tend to get worse over time and do not go away with rest or improved nutrition.
- Changes in blood tests. The first sign of uremia is the presence of urea in the blood during routine blood testing.
- People with uremia may also show signs of metabolic acidosis where the body produces too much acid.
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. In some cases, uremia may be characterized by weight loss.
- High blood pressure.
- Swelling, particularly around the feet and ankles.
- Dry, itchy skin.
- Extreme tiredness or fatigue
- Cramping in your legs
- Little or no appetite
- Headache
- Nausea [2]
- Vomiting
- Trouble concentrating
- More frequent urination, as the kidneys work harder to get rid of waste.
In severe cases, uremia may be accompanied by life-threatening symptoms that require urgent medical attention. Some of these symptoms include:
- Low urine output
- Confusion or loss of consciousness for even a brief moment