(Foreword: This is the continuation of our response to Bitoy 2021 on his concerns if he has kidney problems.)
Dear Bitoy 2021,
Alright, moving on...here’s more.
Itchy skin
If your kidneys can’t flush out toxins, that can cause a rash or make you itch all over. Eventually, your kidneys may not be able to balance the minerals and nutrients leading to mineral and bone disease, which can make your skin dry and itchy.
Muscle cramps
This can be a sign of poor kidney function. If you have an imbalance in the levels of sodium, calcium, potassium, or other electrolytes, your muscles and nerves are interrupted.
Out of breath
If your kidneys are failing, you can’t make enough erythropoietin. This hormone signals your body to make red blood cells. So, if you don’t have this, you will have anemia and you will feel short of breath. Then, you might also have fluid buildup. This makes you out of breath as well.
Low appetite
If your kidneys are not functioning well, you will feel nauseated and likely to vomit and will have an upset stomach. So, you will have little craving for food. This could make you lose weight.
Foul breath
If your kidneys are not filtering out waste well, you can have uremia. This may make your breath smell. The toxins in your blood can also give off a metallic or rusty taste.
Foamy, Brown, or Bloody Urine
If you see that your urine is bubbly, this could mean that you are putting out too much protein. Now, if you see brownish or very pale urine or a bloody one, those are also red flags. Blood in the urine can be due to kidney stones, tumors, or an infection.
But, to make sure of your kidney’s health, you have to see your physician.
Good luck!
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.)