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Our kidneys work quietly in the background. They purify our blood, balance fluids and eradicate the waste from the body. But when they stop working well, our body starts giving us signs. These signs are not always loud or sudden. Often, they appear slowly, and it’s easy to miss them. That’s why it’s important to listen to what your body is trying to say.

If you’ve been feeling unwell and can’t explain why, you might need to examine your kidney health. In some cases, you may need dialysis, a treatment that helps your body do the work your kidneys can no longer manage. But how do you know when it is time to consider it?  

Let’s look at some signs that may mean you need to talk to a kidney specialist.

1. You feel tired all the time

One of the earliest and most common signs of poor kidney function is constant tiredness. When your kidneys aren’t filtering waste properly, toxins can develop in your blood. This makes you feel weak, sluggish, or even dizzy. If you feel drained even after resting well, it may be time to consult a kidney doctor.

2. Swelling in your face, feet or ankles

When kidneys can’t remove extra fluid from your body, it starts to collect in places like your legs, feet, hands, or around your eyes. This swelling is called edema. It can be mild in the beginning, but if it doesn’t go away or keeps getting worse, it could point to kidney diseases that need immediate attention.

3. Changes in your urine

Your urine tells many things about the health of your kidney. If you notice changes in the amount, color, or smell of your urine, or if you feel pain while passing it, don’t ignore it. Foamy urine, blood in the urine, or the need to wake up often at night to use the bathroom are signs that your kidneys might not be working well. 

4. Shortness of breath

This one surprises many people. But when kidneys stop removing enough fluid from the body, it can collect in the lungs. This leads to difficulty in breathing, particularly while lying down. It can also be linked to anaemia, another common issue in kidney problems. If you feel breathless doing things you once did easily, it’s a good reason to speak to a specialist.

5. Nausea, loss of appetite, or bad taste in the mouth

Toxin buildup in the body can affect your digestive health, too. You may feel like vomiting, lack the craving for food or have a constant metallic taste in your mouth. These symptoms may seem minor, but they could be your body’s way of telling you that your kidneys need help.

6. Itching and dry skin

Healthy kidneys help create a perfect balance of minerals in your blood. When they stop doing this, your skin may become dry and itchy due to a condition called uremia. If this discomfort continues, it’s worth checking if kidney function is the reason behind it.

When should you consider dialysis?

Dialysis is not always needed right away. It’s usually suggested when kidney function drops to a very low level, often less than 10 to 15% of normal. But the decision isn’t just based on numbers. It’s also about how you’re feeling and how your symptoms are affecting your daily life.

Only a trained nephrologist can decide if it’s time to start dialysis.  If you observe any of these signs in you or your loved ones, don’t wait. A timely checkup can prevent things from getting worse.

Choosing the right dialysis center is also important. It should be clean, well-staffed, and equipped to give you safe and comfortable care.

Where can you get the right advice?

At Adi Arogyam, we believe that early action makes all the difference. Our experienced team offers complete kidney treatment, from tests and diagnosis to prevention and intervention. We understand your condition patiently and guide you through every step, whether you need lifestyle changes or advanced care like dialysis.

Get expert care when it matters most

Don’t wait for the signs to get louder. Let our experts help you understand them better. Start your journey with a checkup at Adi Arogyam.