Decreased kidney function is a life-threatening condition if it destroys the kidneys to the point where they are no longer able to filter waste and byproducts out of the body. According the National Kidney Foundation, the kidneys also produce Vitamin D, which is essential for the absorption of calcium. Red blood cells and hormones that regulate blood pressure are also produced by the kidneys.
Absence of Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, most people won't notice any signs of kidney failure symptoms until the kidneys are working at less than 25 percent of the normal amount. In some cases, you won't notice any symptoms until the damage is irreversible. This is because the kidneys can adapt to the diminished function and compensate accordingly.
Intial Symptoms
MedlinePlus reports that headaches, fatigue, frequent hiccups, itching, nausea and unexplained weight loss are likely to be the first noticeable symptoms of decreased kidney function. All of these symptoms are associated with numerous conditions. That fact makes it difficult to diagnose diminished kidney function by symptoms alone.
Subsequent Symptoms
As kidney function continues to decrease, other symptoms manifest. These symptoms include loss of feeling in the extremities, seizures, muscle cramps, excessive thirst accompanied by decreased urination, blood in vomit or stool, and bleeding and bruising easily. If any of these symptoms are present, contact a doctor or head to an emergency room immediately. By this point, time is of the essence to stop the kidneys from failing.
Less Common Symptoms
There are some symptoms of decreasing kidney function that may become evident. Because the kidneys filter waste from the body and control urine output, water retention is possible. This manifests itself as unexplained swelling in the eyes, hands and feet, sometimes extending to the leg. Halitosis, unexplained agitation, high blood pressure, and changes in skin color and nails are some other symptoms of decreasing kidney function.
Tests to Turn Symptoms into a Diagnosis
Since the majority of the symptoms of decreasing function can point to numerous conditions, a physician will order a battery of tests to make a definite diagnosis. He will look for protein and/or blood in the urine, which is detected by a urinalysis. If that is positive for blood and/or protein, the lab will go through other testing that includes a test for Blood Urea Nitrogen levels, which, according to the National Kidney Foundation, increase as kidney function decreases. Creatinine levels will also be checked. From there, the physician may order a series of imaging tests on the abdomen. These include CT scans, X-rays, MRIs and ultrasounds.
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