Symptom 2. Swelling in Legs, Ankles, and Feet: A True Sign of Fluid Retention in Acute Kidney Disease
Edema, or fluid retention, is another telltale symptom that often accompanies AKI. With the kidneys struggling to remove excess fluid from the body, it tends to build up, especially in the lower extremities such as the legs, ankles, and feet.
Fluid balance is a vital aspect of our body’s functioning. The kidneys play a vital role in this. They control the amount of fluid leaving our body and maintain the delicate balance between sodium and water to control blood pressure. During AKI, the kidneys falter in these duties, and we often witness edema as a result.
Edema isn’t exclusive to the lower extremities. It can manifest in other parts of the body, like the hands or the face. It’s more about gravity drawing the fluid downwards. When we’re up and about during the day, the fluid tends to accumulate in our legs and ankles. When we’re lying flat, the fluid distributes evenly, causing generalized swelling.
There’s a peculiar characteristic about edema in AKI. It’s pitting edema, meaning if you press the swollen area, it leaves a pit or a dent that takes some time to fill back up. It’s a sign that the fluid accumulation is severe and needs attention.
Another intriguing fact about edema in AKI is its progression. Initially, the swelling may be subtle, only noticeable after a long day of standing or walking. But as kidney function continues to decline, the swelling becomes more pronounced and persists throughout the day. (2)
