What are the Symptoms of Uremia?
October 3, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Uremia is a serious condition that occurs when the kidneys fail to adequately filter waste products and toxins from the blood. It is a consequence of advanced kidney disease or kidney failure. Symptoms of uremia can affect multiple systems in the body and may include:
- Fatigue and Weakness:
- Overwhelming and persistent tiredness, reduced energy levels, and a feeling of weakness.
- Nausea and Vomiting:
- Frequent bouts of nausea and vomiting, especially in the morning or after meals.
- Loss of Appetite:
- Decreased interest in food and reduced appetite, leading to unintended weight loss.
- Itching (Pruritus):
- Persistent and severe itching of the skin, often worse at night.
- Swelling (Edema):
- Swelling, especially in the legs, ankles, feet, and hands, due to fluid retention.
- Difficulty Breathing:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity or while lying flat.
- Changes in Urination:
- Changes in urine volume (either increased or decreased), frequency of urination, or color of urine.
- Mental Confusion:
- Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, confusion, or altered mental status.
- Sleep Disturbances:
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, leading to poor sleep quality.
- Muscle Cramps and Twitching:
- Muscle cramps, twitching, or restless legs syndrome.
- Bone and Joint Pain:
- Bone pain, joint pain, or muscle aches.
- Hypertension:
- High blood pressure, often difficult to manage.
- Abnormal Heart Rhythms:
- Irregular heartbeats, palpitations, or arrhythmias.
- Bruising and Bleeding:
- Easy bruising, bleeding gums, or frequent nosebleeds.
- Bad Breath and Metallic Taste:
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth or a metallic taste, along with foul-smelling breath (uremic fetor).
- Yellowish Skin (Jaundice):
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) due to the accumulation of waste products.
Uremia is a critical condition and requires urgent medical attention. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause, often kidney disease or failure, and providing supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent further complications. Dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary for severe cases. If you suspect uremia or experience concerning symptoms, seek immediate medical help for proper evaluation and management.