Kidney Disease: Who's at risk, 6 Early Signs and the Tests you need.

KidneyKeeping
7 May 202310:24
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script emphasizes the alarming prevalence of kidney disease, with one in seven adults affected and 90% unaware of their condition. The speaker, a kidney disease survivor, urges viewers to recognize and not ignore symptoms such as changes in urine, fatigue, edema, skin changes, and bad taste in the mouth. The script outlines risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and an unhealthy lifestyle, and suggests diagnostic tests including blood pressure checks, urinalysis for protein loss, comprehensive metabolic panels, and complete blood counts. The importance of proactive health checks and the potential for prevention and early treatment of kidney disease is highlighted, encouraging individuals to be their own health advocates.

Takeaways
  • 📉 One in seven adults has kidney disease, with 90% unaware of their condition, indicating a large number of undiagnosed cases.
  • 💉 Hypertension (high blood pressure) is closely linked to kidney disease, as both can cause each other.
  • 🍬 Diabetes is another significant risk factor for kidney disease due to the impact of high glucose levels on kidney function.
  • 🚫 An unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and being overweight can lead to diabetes and hypertension, which in turn can damage the kidneys.
  • 🔍 The first symptom of kidney disease is often a change in urine, which can include frequency, volume, color, or foaminess due to protein leakage.
  • 😪 Fatigue, both physical and mental, can be an early sign of kidney disease and should not be ignored if it becomes a persistent new norm.
  • 🦶 Edema, or swelling due to excess fluid, is another symptom, often noticeable around the ankles, feet, fingers, and eyes.
  • 🧪 A change in skin texture, such as dryness, itchiness, or a yellowish pallor, can indicate kidney problems.
  • 👅 A metallic taste in the mouth, bad breath, or a diminished sense of taste can be signs of kidney disease.
  • 📉 Unexplained weight loss, along with nausea and a decreased interest in food, can be symptoms of kidney disease.
  • 🩺 Regular blood pressure checks, urinalysis for protein loss, comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), and complete blood count (CBC) are essential diagnostic tests for kidney health.
Q & A

  • What is the prevalence of kidney disease among adults according to the statistics mentioned in the transcript?

    -One in seven adults has kidney disease, and out of those, 9 out of 10 are unaware they have it.

  • Why is it important to not ignore the symptoms of kidney disease?

    -Ignoring symptoms can lead to severe health consequences, as by the time most symptoms appear, the kidneys are already damaged.

  • What is the relationship between hypertension and kidney disease?

    -Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can cause kidney disease, and kidney disease can also lead to hypertension. They are interconnected as both the heart and kidneys work together to clean the blood.

  • How does diabetes affect the kidneys?

    -Diabetes can damage the kidneys because the excess glucose in the blood affects the kidney's filters, which are very sensitive and small.

  • What is the significance of a change in urine as a symptom of kidney disease?

    -A change in urine can indicate a change in the frequency, volume, color, or texture (such as being foamy), which may suggest that the kidneys are leaking protein and are not functioning properly.

  • Why might someone experience fatigue as a symptom of kidney disease?

    -Fatigue can be a sign of kidney disease because the kidneys are not effectively filtering waste from the blood, which can lead to a buildup of toxins and affect overall energy levels.

  • What is edema and how is it related to kidney disease?

    -Edema is the accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues. It is related to kidney disease because the kidneys are not able to remove this fluid from the blood effectively.

  • How can one check for edema at home?

    -One can check for edema by applying firm pressure with a thumb on the area where fluid retention is suspected. If the indentation from the thumb remains after pressure is released, it indicates edema.

  • What changes in the skin might indicate kidney disease?

    -Changes in the skin such as dryness, itchiness, scaliness, pallor, or yellowing can be signs of kidney disease, as the kidneys may not be filtering waste products effectively.

  • What does a metallic taste in the mouth indicate in the context of kidney disease?

    -A metallic taste in the mouth can be a sign of kidney disease, possibly due to the buildup of waste products and toxins that normally would be filtered by healthy kidneys.

  • What are some medical tests that can help detect kidney disease?

    -Medical tests that can help detect kidney disease include blood pressure checks, urine tests for protein loss, comprehensive metabolic panels (CMP), and complete blood count (CBC).

  • What is the importance of being proactive about one's health, especially regarding kidney disease?

    -Being proactive is crucial because kidney disease can be prevented or its progression can be delayed through early detection and intervention. Individuals should not ignore changes in their health and should consult a doctor for necessary tests.

Outlines
00:00
😨 The Hidden Epidemic of Kidney Disease

This paragraph discusses the alarming prevalence of kidney disease, with one in seven adults affected and the vast majority being unaware of their condition. The speaker shares a personal story of rapidly progressing to dialysis after ignoring symptoms, emphasizing the urgency of recognizing signs of kidney disease. Key risk factors highlighted include hypertension, diabetes, and an unhealthy lifestyle. The paragraph also outlines the first warning sign: changes in urine, such as frequency, volume, color, and foaminess, which may indicate protein leakage.

05:01
😟 Common Symptoms of Kidney Disease Often Ignored

The second paragraph delves into additional symptoms of kidney disease that are easily overlooked. These include fatigue, both physical and mental, which could indicate a decline in kidney function. Edema, or swelling due to fluid retention, is another sign, often noticeable around the ankles, fingers, and eyes. The speaker describes a simple test to check for fluid retention by pressing the skin and observing if an indentation remains. Changes in skin texture, such as dryness, itchiness, and yellowing, are also symptoms, along with a metallic taste in the mouth and unexplained weight loss. The paragraph concludes with advice on proactive health measures, including blood pressure checks, urinalysis for protein loss, a comprehensive metabolic panel, and a complete blood count.

10:02
💪 Proactive Health Measures to Detect Kidney Disease

The final paragraph emphasizes the importance of being proactive about one's health and advocates for individuals to be their own health advocates. It mentions specific tests that can be conducted to detect kidney disease, such as a kidney function test and a complete metabolic panel, providing approximate costs for these tests. The paragraph also suggests a home test for protein in urine using strips available online. The speaker encourages viewers to seek medical advice if they notice any changes or feel unwell, rather than dismissing symptoms as part of the natural aging process or other benign causes.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Kidney Disease
Kidney disease refers to any condition that impairs the normal function of the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and maintaining electrolyte balance. In the video, it is highlighted as a serious health concern affecting millions of people who may not be aware they have it, emphasizing the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking medical attention.
💡Diagnosis
Diagnosis is the process of identifying a disease or condition through its signs and symptoms. The video script emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis of kidney disease, as it can prevent further damage and the need for dialysis, which is a more severe treatment option.
💡Hypertension
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. It is a key concept in the script as it is both a cause and a consequence of kidney disease, illustrating the interconnectedness of these health issues.
💡Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of glucose in the blood, which can damage various organs, including the kidneys. The video discusses how diabetes can lead to kidney disease due to the harmful effects of excess glucose on the kidney filters.
💡Symptoms
Symptoms are signs that indicate the presence of a disease or condition. The video script lists several symptoms of kidney disease, such as changes in urine, fatigue, edema, skin changes, and metallic taste in the mouth, which are crucial for viewers to recognize and act upon.
💡Urine Changes
Changes in urine, such as frequency, volume, color, or foaminess, are mentioned in the script as early indicators of kidney disease. Foamy urine, in particular, can be a sign of protein leakage, which is a warning sign not to be ignored.
💡Fatigue
Fatigue, both physical and mental, is described in the video as a possible symptom of kidney disease. It is a common experience that can be easily dismissed as a result of aging, weight gain, or poor diet, but when it becomes the new norm, it may signal an underlying health issue.
💡Edema
Edema refers to the buildup of fluid in the body's tissues, often noticeable around the ankles, feet, fingers, and eyes. In the context of the video, edema is a sign of kidney disease because the kidneys are not effectively removing excess fluid from the blood.
💡Skin Changes
Changes in the skin, such as dryness, itchiness, scaling, paleness, or yellowing, are discussed as signs of kidney disease. These changes can be subtle and easily attributed to other causes, but they may indicate a more serious condition if they persist.
💡Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss is mentioned as another potential symptom of kidney disease. It can be confusing because kidney disease is also associated with weight gain due to fluid retention. The video emphasizes the importance of paying attention to changes in body weight that cannot be explained by diet or lifestyle.
💡Medical Tests
The script discusses various medical tests that can help diagnose kidney disease, including blood pressure checks, urine tests for protein loss, comprehensive metabolic panels, and complete blood counts. These tests are crucial for monitoring kidney function and detecting issues early.
Highlights

One in seven adults has kidney disease, with 90% unaware of their condition.

Millions suffer from undiagnosed kidney disease, which can lead to severe damage.

Hypertension and kidney disease are interconnected, with high blood pressure causing and being caused by kidney disease.

Diabetes affects kidney health by increasing glucose in the blood, which can damage kidney filters.

Unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and being overweight can lead to diabetes and hypertension, impacting kidney function.

Changes in urine frequency, volume, color, and foaminess can be early signs of kidney disease.

Foamy urine indicates protein leakage, a sign of kidney issues.

Fatigue, both physical and mental, can be an early symptom of kidney disease.

Edema, or excess fluid, often manifests as swelling in ankles, feet, fingers, and around the eyes.

Pressing the skin to check for fluid retention is a simple self-test for edema.

Skin changes like dryness, itchiness, and yellowing can signal kidney disease.

A metallic taste in the mouth or bad breath can be overlooked signs of kidney issues.

Unexplained weight loss and changes in appetite may indicate kidney disease.

Monitoring blood pressure is crucial for early detection of kidney problems.

Urine tests can reveal protein loss, a sign of kidney damage.

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) checks glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium, and creatinine levels for kidney function.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) can indicate low iron and anemia, which are related to kidney health.

Quest Diagnostics offers kidney function tests to assess how well kidneys are working.

At-home urine test strips can detect protein in urine, a sign of kidney disease.

Being proactive about health and seeking medical advice is essential for preventing and managing kidney disease.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Pathophysiology

Kidney Disease: What You Should Know | Anjay Rastogi, MD | UCLAMDChat

ABC's of Kidney Disease

Chronic Renal Failure (Kidney Disease) Nursing | End Stage Renal Disease Pathophysiology NCLEX

12 Foods To REVERSE Kidney Damage (Most Of You Have It But Not Know)

Nephritic Syndrome

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating:

Related Tags
Kidney DiseaseHealth AwarenessDiagnosisPreventionHigh Blood PressureDiabetesHealthy DietUrine ChangesFatigueEdemaSkin ChangesWeight LossMedical TestsQuest DiagnosticsBlood PressureProteinuriaCMP TestCBC TestHealth Advocacy