Kidney symptoms are signs of abnormalities in kidney function. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste out of the bloodstream. Healthy kidneys function continuously and the bodys total blood supply passes through the kidneys several times each minute. The healthy body can continue to function with only one good kidney, as happens when a person volunteers to be a living kidney donor.
When the kidneys become damaged, infected or inflamed, they can lose some of that filtering ability. This can lead to changes in urination and a buildup of waste products in the blood, which can affect the entire body.
Kidney symptoms can be either systemic or kidney specific. Common kidney symptoms include changes in urine output; pain or burning with urination; changes in the color, smell, or appearance of urine; or pain in the sides or abdomen. Systemic (whole body) kidney symptoms include fatigue, weakness, a general ill feeling, confusion, swelling (edema), or changes in consciousness. Kidney symptoms range from very mild to very severe and even life threatening.
Kidney symptoms and their treatment will depend on the underlying disease or disorder. Common disorders of the kidneys include glomerulonephritis (kidney inflammation), pyelonephritis (kidney infection), and kidney cysts. In many cases, kidney symptoms will resolve once the underlying disorder has been treated.
One of the most successful techniques for preventing kidney symptoms is to consume an adequate amount of fluid. For mild kidney symptoms, over-the-counter medications or home remedies, such as hot pads, may be useful.
Seek immediate medical care (call 911) for serious kidney symptoms, including loss of consciousness, even for a brief moment; confusion; severe side or flank pain; inability to urinate; or high fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit).
If your kidney symptoms are persistent or cause you concern, seek prompt medical care.
Excerpt from:
Kidney Symptoms - Symptoms, Causes, Treatments