Shibu Soren Passes Away At 81: Early Signs Of Chronic Kidney Disease You Should Never Ignore

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Shibu Soren, the towering tribal leader and founder of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), passed away on Monday morning in Delhi at the age of 81. His son, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, confirmed the news with an emotional tribute, stating, "Respected Dishom Guruji has left us all... I have become 'shunya' (zero) today."

A key figure in Jharkhand's statehood movement, Soren had been undergoing treatment at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital since June 19 for multiple health complications, including chronic kidney disease. He had also suffered a stroke and was on life support for nearly a month before his passing.

Photo Credit: Oneindia

While his legacy is being mourned across the country, what's equally urgent is the spotlight his passing throws on chronic kidney disease (CKD)-a condition that silently progresses until it's too late.

Often underdiagnosed or mistaken for age-related fatigue, CKD doesn't always show up with clear warning signs. In India, where access to routine health checks is uneven, even high-profile deaths like this serve as wake-up calls. So, how can you catch kidney failure in time?
Here are 10 subtle but significant symptoms of chronic kidney disease that families often miss.

1. Frequent Urination, Especially At Night

One of the earliest signs of kidney trouble is an increase in urination, particularly during the night. This happens because damaged kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and fluids effectively, leading to increased urine output. Most people brush this off as age-related, but it may signal the beginning of kidney damage.

2. Swelling In The Feet, Ankles, And Face

If you notice unexplained puffiness or swelling in the legs, feet, or around the eyes, it could indicate that your kidneys are failing to remove excess fluid from the body. This retention is often mistaken for weight gain or fatigue, especially in older adults.

3. Constant Fatigue And Difficulty Concentrating

Tiredness, lack of focus, and brain fog are frequently dismissed as stress or aging, but they may indicate that your kidneys aren't filtering waste properly. A buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood can make even routine activities feel exhausting.

4. Changes In Urine Color Or Foaminess

Pay attention to the color, frequency, and consistency of your urine. Foamy urine can be a sign of protein leakage-a common early indicator of kidney damage. Dark or orange-colored urine may also suggest an issue with kidney function.

5. Muscle Cramps, Especially At Night

Chronic kidney disease affects electrolyte balance in the body, often leading to muscle cramps. These cramps usually appear at night and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. This is a sign that potassium, calcium, or sodium levels may be off-something kidneys help regulate.

6. Nausea, Vomiting, And Loss Of Appetite

When toxins start accumulating in the bloodstream, they can impact your digestive system. Unexplained nausea, loss of appetite, or even vomiting could point to declining kidney function. These symptoms are especially dangerous because they can lead to weight loss and muscle wasting.

7. Shortness Of Breath Without Exertion

Fluid buildup due to poor kidney function can lead to shortness of breath, even when you're not doing anything strenuous. This is because the extra fluid may accumulate in the lungs. It's often mistaken for asthma, aging, or heart problems.

8. Itchy Skin And Rashes

The kidneys are responsible for maintaining the right balance of minerals in your blood. When they don't work well, you may develop dry, itchy skin or rashes due to a buildup of waste products and toxins. This kind of itchiness doesn't respond to moisturisers and worsens over time.

9. High Blood Pressure That's Hard To Control

While high blood pressure can lead to kidney disease, the reverse is also true-CKD can cause blood pressure to rise uncontrollably. If you or your loved one has high BP that doesn't respond well to medication, it's time to get kidney function tests done immediately.

10. Metallic Taste In Mouth And Bad Breath

As urea builds up in the bloodstream, it may cause a metallic taste in the mouth or persistent bad breath. This is due to "uremic toxins," and people experiencing this often lose interest in food, leading to malnutrition over time.

So, if you notice these symptoms in yourself or a loved one, consult a nephrologist and get tested immediately.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.