5. Shortness of Breath: The Hidden Connection to Kidney Disease
Shortness of breath may not be an obvious symptom of chronic kidney disease, but it can be a sign that your kidneys are struggling to maintain fluid balance. Excess fluid can accumulate in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and causing a sensation of breathlessness.
In addition to fluid buildup, anemia, a common complication of CKD, can also contribute to shortness of breath. As we discussed earlier, anemia reduces the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells, which can lead to insufficient oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues, including the lungs.
If you’re experiencing unexplained shortness of breath, particularly in combination with other CKD symptoms, it’s vital to seek medical advice. Timely intervention can help address the underlying causes and improve your overall respiratory function. (5)
