Get tested for kidney problems to be sure

There are certain health conditions where it becomes immediately obvious that something is wrong. On the other hand, certain ailments tend to creep up and grow within us without any apparent warning signs or symptoms. Kidney problems, fall into this dangerous second category.

According to the AKF, kidney problems may have no symptoms until they are very far along.  The only way to be sure how your kidneys are working is to get tested.  If you do have symptoms, they might include:

Feeling sick to your stomach often
Feeling tired or dizzy often
Swelling in your feet, hands or face
Back pain
Bloody, foamy or dark-coloured urine
High blood pressure
A change in how often you go to the bathroom

If you think you may have a kidney problem, talk to your doctor.  Kidney problems that are caught early can be treated.  Kidney problems that are left untreated may lead to permanent damage or even kidney failure.

Your kidneys clean waste and extra fluid from your blood.  They also do many other jobs that you need in order to live. 
Control chemicals and fluid in your body
Help control your blood pressure
Help keep your bones healthy
Help you make red blood cells

The term "chronic kidney disease" (CKD) means lasting damage to the kidneys that can get worse over time.  If the damage is very bad, your kidneys may stop working.  This is called kidney failure.  If your kidneys fail, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to live.

There is no limit to how long a person can live on dialysis.  This can vary a lot depending on a person's age, other health concerns and how well they follow the treatment plan.  With good care, it is very possible for a person to live for many years on dialysis.
CKD can be caused by many different diseases.  The most common causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure.  Some infections, inherited diseases and injuries can also cause CKD.

Anyone can develop kidney problems, but you are more at risk if you:
Have diabetes
Have high blood pressure
Have heart disease
Have a family member with kidney disease
Are over 60 years old

If you have a family member with kidney failure, you may be at more risk for kidney disease.  Also, diabetes and high blood pressure, the two leading causes of kidney failure, run in families.  If you have a family member with kidney failure, diabetes or high blood pressure, talk to your doctor about getting tested.

You may not need to drink a full eight glasses of water every day to stay healthy, as once thought, but water is still a better choice than drinks that have caffeine, like soda, coffee or tea.  These drinks can actually make you thirstier.  Avoiding sugary juices is also a good idea, especially if you have diabetes.  Drinking plenty of water may also help prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections.

Do keep in mind that if you have late stage kidney disease or are on dialysis, you may need to limit how much you drink.  Talk to your doctor about how much fluid you should have each day.

Alcohol affects your liver more directly than your kidneys, but it can raise your blood pressure.  High blood pressure can damage the tiny filters in your kidneys.  In fact, high blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure.