How Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Affect the Kidneys
Advanced kidney disease symptoms are more concerning
Symptoms of advanced kidney disease include:
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Itchy or darkened skin
- Muscle cramps
- Puffiness around the eyes
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen feet and ankles
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty sleeping
- Frequent urination
If you have RA and are also experiencing the above symptoms, meet with your doctor.
Though there are no formal guidelines for kidney disease screening in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, Carmen Gota, M.D., a rheumatologist at the Cleveland Clinic, says “most rheumatologists routinely monitor kidney health and function in people with RA because some of the drugs used to treat it affect the kidneys.”
