renal edema - #18471
I am feeling really worried about this persistent swelling I’ve been having. Like, for the past month, I've noticed my legs getting super puffy, especially around my ankles. I thought it was just from standing all day at work or maybe I was eating too much salt, but it hasn’t gone away. I went to the doc last week, and after some tests, they said it could be renal edema. I mean, I have no idea what that even means! They mentioned that it could be my kidneys not working right or something? I don’t have high blood pressure or diabetes, and I eat fairly healthy. Just last week, I had a blood test, and my creatinine levels were a bit off, but I'm not totally sure what that means for renal edema. I’m also feeling kinda fatigued and have some weird fluctuations in my urination. Like some days it’s normal, and other days I've been going more often, but sometimes not at all! Is there anything else I should be looking for? Should I be super worried about this renal edema, or is it something that can be managed? Thanks for any advice!!!
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Doctors' responses
Renal edema refers to swelling that can occur when your kidneys aren’t functioning properly. Since you mentioned that your kidneys may not be working right, this could explain why you’re experiencing swelling in your legs and ankles. The kidneys are important for filtering waste and excess fluids from your blood, and when they aren’t working as they should, fluid can accumulate in your body, causing edema. While you don’t have high blood pressure or diabetes—common risk factors for kidney issues—your abnormal creatinine levels suggest that kidney function needs closer monitoring. Creatinine is a waste product removed by the kidneys, and elevated levels might indicate reduced kidney function.
It’s important to pay attention to other potential symptoms like fatigue, which you’ve mentioned, as well as changes in urine output. These can be signs of how your kidneys are coping. It’s also good to monitor any other symptoms like nausea or shortness of breath, which could indicate worsening kidney problems. Make sure you’re following up with your healthcare provider for additional tests to assess your kidney function, like a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) test or urine tests that can reveal protein loss, which could be related to your kidney health.
Managing renal edema really depends on treating the underlying cause. Your doctor might recommend a specific treatment plan that could include medications like diuretics to help your body eliminate excess fluid more effectively. Dietary changes might also be needed. Sometimes, reducing salt intake and balancing fluid consumption can be beneficial. However, it’s crucial to make these changes under medical guidance. You’ll want to keep an eye on your blood pressure, as it can impact kidney health, even if it’s currently normal.
Since renal issues could potentially progress, you should maintain regular check-ups to watch for changes in kidney function and address any symptoms that arise promptly. If you encounter sudden weight gain, difficulty breathing, or severe swelling, seek immediate medical attention. Although it might be manageable, untreated renal problems can lead to more serious health issues over time, so staying proactive with your health care is key.
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