How Can I Check My Kidneys at Home?

There are several physical signs and symptoms of kidney disease, which include:

1. Extreme tiredness, weakness, or trouble concentrating
2. Insomnia
3. Dry and itchy skin
4. Increased frequency or urgency to urinate
5. Difficulty or pain while passing urine
6. Foamy or frothy urine
7. Puffiness around the eyes or swollen face
8. Swelling of feet and ankles
9. Loss or lack of appetite
10. Muscle cramps
11. Hematuria (blood in the urine)
12. Feeling cold
13. Shortness of breath even after a little exertion
14. Feeling faint and dizzy
15. Metallic taste in the mouth
16. Bad breath (ammonia breath)
17. Nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset

Diabetes and high blood pressure are responsible for up to two-thirds of all cases of kidney disease.

Other conditions that can affect the kidneys are:

1. People older than 60 years are at a higher risk
2. Family history of kidney disease
3. Obesity
4. Black, Native American, or Asian American ethnicities
5. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
6. Recurrent kidney infections
7. Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys called glomeruli)
8. Inherited diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease (a genetic disorder that causes many fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys)
9. Trauma or injuries
10. Lupus (an autoimmune disease)
11. Obstructive diseases, such as kidney stones, prostate enlargement, and tumors

The following tests are used to diagnose kidney diseases:

• Urine test: To check for the presence of protein or blood in the urine.
• Blood tests:
  • Serum creatinine: According to the National Kidney Foundation, a creatinine level higher than 1.2 mg/dL for women and 1.4 mg/dL for men is a sign of a kidney disorder.
  • Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): Normal blood levels should be between 6 and 20 mg/dL. A value higher than this indicates a kidney problem.
  • Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) calculation: The doctor can calculate it from the blood creatinine, age, ethnicity, gender, and other factors.
• Ultrasound or computed tomography scan: Detects problems in the structure of the kidneys and the urinary tract.
• Kidney biopsy: A sample of kidney tissue is sent to a laboratory to be visualized under a microscope.

A person can prevent kidney diseases by adopting the following measures:

• Consume a healthy and balanced diet: Eat a low-sodium and low-fat diet, including fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
• Regular exercise: Increase physical activity and try to be active for at least 30 minutes on most of the days.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get enough sleep
• Avoid or quit smoking
• Limit alcohol intake
• Control diabetes, blood pressure, and heart disease