What Links Unexplained Bruising and Kidney Issues?
Unexplained bruising and kidney issues are both symptoms of chronic kidney disease. As kidney function diminishes, easy bruising and other symptoms indicate that the diseased kidneys can no longer effectively remove waste and extra fluid from the body, states MedlinePlus.
Chronic kidney disease is caused by diabetes and high blood pressure in most cases. However, other disease or conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, kidney infection or injury, and birth defects associated with the kidneys, can also lead to chronic kidney disease. This disease causes the buildup of waste material within the body and progresses, affecting more body systems and functions until the kidneys stop working. This progression can affect bone health and vitamin D levels and can cause low blood cell count and high blood pressure, notes MedlinePlus.
Early symptoms of chronic kidney disease, such as loss of appetite, fatigue and nausea, are the same as in other illnesses. The diminished kidney function and symptoms slowly appear because the rate at which the disease gets worse is unnoticeably slow. Bruising, bad breath, hiccupping and problems with concentration indicate that the disease is in the later stages, states MedlinePlus.
Various tests, such as urinalysis, chest exams and nervous system exams, are used to diagnose the stage of the disease and the causes. A urinalysis tests the components of the urine, indicating urine changes six to 10 years prior to the onset of kidney disease. Kidney function tests include BUN and creatinine tests. Kidney biopsies and tests for cholesterol and electrolytes are used to analyze the progression of the disease, according to MedlinePlus.
