DEAR Dr. Fritz,

Good day. Call me Bitoy. I have been having puffiness in my eyes for quite some time now. I am getting worried if I have kidney problems. What are the warning signs of kidney problems?

Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.

Bitoy 2021

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Dear Bitoy 2021,

There are a lot of warning signs of kidney problems. Let me count the ways below.

Swollen Face and Feet

If your eyes are puffy, then, this can be because your kidneys are leaking a large amount of protein in the urine, which is an early sign that the kidneys’ filters have been damaged, making a way for protein to the urine. And of course, when your kidneys can’t get rid of sodium well, fluids build up in your body, leading to puffy hands, feet, ankles, legs, or a puffy face.

The best way to know is to see your doctor to check your kidney’s health.

Low energy and foggy head.

When your kidneys don’t work, toxins can build up. This could make you feel weak. You may even feel dizzy and have trouble with concentration and memory. This is because your kidneys make erythropoietin that tells your body to create red blood cells. If you have less of them, your blood can’t give as much needed oxygen to your muscles and brain.

Poor Sleep

There has been studies showing a possible link between sleep apnea and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sleep apnea may damage your kidneys by preventing your body from getting enough oxygen. CKD, on its part may cause sleep apnea by constricting your throat and toxin buildup.

Well, there’s more to tell, but, we are out of space right now. So, let’s continue next time. Until then!

Dr. Fritz

(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.”. For your questions, you may e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)