# Kidney Disease Affects More Than Filtration

Regular checks can find complications before you feel unwell.

![Infographic: Kidney Disease Affects More Than Filtration](https://urinenephrology.org/visual-reference/images/patient-ckd-complications.png?v=20261003c)

## Tiredness: check the cause

Ask whether hemoglobin and iron tests are due. New tiredness can come from anemia, poor sleep, illness, or other causes. Do not start iron on your own; tell the team about dark stools, bleeding, or worsening breathlessness.

## Bones and minerals

Kidneys help balance calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. Changes can affect bone health. Treatment follows your blood-test trends and stage of kidney disease.

## Potassium balance

Too much or too little potassium can affect the heart. Symptoms may be absent, so laboratory checks matter. Do not change supplements or medicines on your own.

## Track swelling and breathing

If your team recommends weighing, use the same scale and conditions and record the result with swelling and breathing symptoms. Get your own weight/BP call limits in writing. Do not add extra water pills unless your plan allows it.

## Acid and nutrition

Advanced kidney disease can cause acid buildup or appetite changes. Tell your team about nausea, weight loss, or declining strength so the cause can be assessed.

## Make a lab-and-symptom checklist

Bring your medicine list and ask about hemoglobin/iron, potassium, bicarbonate, calcium, and phosphorus. Report appetite loss or declining strength. Severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or sudden confusion: call 911.

## Source lessons

- [ckd complications](https://urinenephrology.org/patient-handouts/ckd-complications.html)

Read alongside the full lessons; the findings and decisions shown here require the stated clinical context.