Kidney Disorders

Diseases of the kidney and urinary tract remain a major cause of illness and death in the United States. The National Kidney Foundation states that more than 26 million Americans are affected by kidney and urologic diseases, and millions more are at risk. What are the symptoms of kidney disease? Most people may not have any severe symptoms until their kidney disease is advanced. However, you may notice that you have the following symptoms:

• Feel more tired and have less energy
• Trouble concentrating
• Poor appetite
• Trouble sleeping
• Muscle cramping at night
• Swollen feet and ankles
• Puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning
• Dry, itchy skin
• Urinate more often, especially at night.

Anyone can get chronic kidney disease at any age. However, some people are more likely than others to develop kidney disease. You may have an increased risk for kidney disease if you have any of the following situations:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Family history of chronic kidney disease
• Older
• Belong to a population group that has a high rate of diabetes or high blood pressure, such as African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian, Pacific Islanders, and American Indians.