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Medical Author:

Pranay Kathuria, MD, FACP, FASN

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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When to Seek Medical Care

Several signs and symptoms may suggest complications of chronic kidney disease. Call your health care practitioner if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Change in energy level or strength
  
  
• Increased water retention (puffiness or swelling) in the legs, around the eyes, or in other parts of the body
  
  
• Shortness of breath or change from normal breathing
  
  
• Nausea or vomiting
  
  
• Lightheadedness
  
  
• Severe bone or joint pain
  
  
• Easy bruising
  
  
• Itching

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney problems, see your health care practitioner right away if you know or suspect that you are pregnant.

See your health care practitioner as recommended for monitoring and treatment of chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

The following signs and symptoms represent the possibility of a severe complication of chronic kidney disease and warrant a visit to the nearest hospital emergency department.

• Change in level of consciousness - extreme sleepiness or difficult to awaken
  
  
• Fainting
  
  
• Chest pain
  
  
• Difficulty breathing
  
  
• Severe nausea and vomiting
  
  
• Severe bleeding (from any source)
  
  
• Severe weakness