Symptoms of kidney disease
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Symptoms of Kidney Disease
Common Symptoms in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose function. Symptoms often do not appear until the disease reaches an advanced stage. Common symptoms include fatigue, swollen ankles, feet or hands, shortness of breath, nausea, and blood in the urine. These symptoms are often underrecognized and can significantly impact the quality of life of individuals with CKD .
Fatigue and Lack of Energy
Fatigue is one of the most prevalent symptoms in CKD, affecting a large proportion of patients across various stages of the disease. Studies have shown that fatigue is reported by 71% of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis, and 76% of patients with stage 5 CKD managed conservatively. This symptom is often accompanied by a general lack of energy and drowsiness .
Pain and Discomfort
Pain is another common symptom, experienced by approximately 47% of ESRD patients on dialysis and 53% of patients with stage 5 CKD managed without dialysis. The pain can vary in severity and is often reported as one of the most distressing symptoms .
Pruritus (Itchy Skin)
Pruritus, or itchy skin, is frequently reported by CKD patients, with a prevalence of 55% in ESRD patients on dialysis and 74% in those with stage 5 CKD managed conservatively. This symptom can significantly affect sleep and overall comfort .
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and anorexia are also common. Nausea affects about 33% of ESRD patients on dialysis, while lack of appetite is reported by 47% of patients with stage 5 CKD managed without dialysis. These symptoms can lead to poor nutritional status and further complicate the management of CKD .
Sleep Disturbances
Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and restless legs syndrome, are prevalent among CKD patients. Approximately 44% of ESRD patients on dialysis report sleep disturbances, and 41% of patients with stage 5 CKD managed conservatively experience similar issues. These disturbances can exacerbate fatigue and impact daily functioning .
Psychological Symptoms
CKD patients often experience psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Anxiety affects about 38% of ESRD patients on dialysis, while depression is reported by 27% of these patients. These psychological symptoms can further diminish the quality of life and complicate the overall management of CKD .
Symptom Burden and Management
The symptom burden in CKD is substantial and often comparable to that experienced by patients with advanced cancer . Effective symptom management is crucial for improving the quality of life in CKD patients. This includes both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions aimed at alleviating common symptoms such as pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and pruritus.
Importance of Routine Symptom Assessment
Routine assessment of symptoms is essential for providing high-quality care to CKD patients. Many patients do not report their symptoms unless specifically asked, highlighting the need for clinicians to incorporate symptom assessment into regular clinical consultations. Tools such as the Kidney Disease Quality of Life (KDQOL)-36 and the Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI) can be valuable in assessing and managing the symptom burden in CKD patients .
Conclusion
CKD is associated with a high symptom burden that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Common symptoms include fatigue, pain, pruritus, gastrointestinal issues, sleep disturbances, and psychological symptoms. Effective management of these symptoms through routine assessment and appropriate interventions is crucial for improving the overall well-being of CKD patients.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic