Category: NHS

Chronic Kidney Disease Symptoms as Death Toll Rises Worldwide

Kidney disease rarely arrives with a dramatic warning. For many people, it builds quietly in the background until daily life starts to change in ways that feel easy to explain away.

That’s one reason health experts keep raising the alarm as chronic kidney disease (CKD) climbs the global rankings of major causes of death. According to the World Health Organization, the top 10 causes of death accounted for more than half of all global deaths in 2021, and kidney disease appeared among them for the first time.

Experts warn it's imperative that the disease is caught early.
Experts warn it’s imperative that the disease is caught early (Getty Stock Image)

What chronic kidney disease actually is

CKD is long-term damage to the kidneys that reduces how well they filter waste and extra fluid from the blood.

When kidney function drops, harmful waste and fluid can build up in the body. Over time, that can contribute to serious complications, including cardiovascular problems, and can become life-threatening.

Public health agencies like the CDC also warn that many people live with CKD without knowing it, which makes early detection a major challenge.

Why early symptoms are often missed

In the early stages, CKD may cause no noticeable symptoms at all. Some health authorities note that the body can cope with a significant loss of kidney function before clear signs show up.

That means a diagnosis often happens during blood or urine testing done for another reason. It can feel surprising, especially for people who still feel “fine.”

Your most obvious symptoms might emerge at night.
Your most obvious symptoms might emerge at night (Getty Stock Image)

Subtle changes that can show up first

When symptoms do appear, they can be vague and easy to blame on stress, age, or a busy routine.

People may notice fatigue that doesn’t match their sleep, a general sense of low energy, or trouble concentrating. Some report changes in appetite, including eating less than usual or unintentional weight changes.

Sleep can also shift. Some people experience restless sleep or insomnia, while others feel unusually sleepy during the day.

Swelling and fluid retention

One of the more visible warning signs is swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, or hands.

This can happen when the body holds onto extra fluid. It may come and go at first, which makes it tempting to ignore, especially if it seems linked to sitting for long periods or hot weather.

Some people also experience shortness of breath, which can have many causes. In CKD, it may relate to fluid balance issues or associated complications.

The feet and other areas of the body can become swollen from water retention.
The feet and other areas of the body can become swollen from water retention (Getty Stock Image)

Changes in urination

Bathroom habits can change as kidney function declines.

Some people notice they urinate more often, especially at night. Others see foamy urine, which can signal protein in the urine, or they may notice blood in the urine.

These changes don’t automatically mean CKD, but they are often listed by health authorities as signs worth taking seriously in a medical setting.

Other symptoms that can develop later

As CKD progresses, symptoms may become harder to ignore.

People may experience nausea, headaches, muscle cramps, itchy skin, or a general feeling of being unwell. Some develop anemia, which can worsen fatigue and weakness.

In advanced stages, the condition can progress to kidney failure, also called end-stage renal disease. At that point, treatments may include dialysis or a kidney transplant, depending on the person’s situation.

Dialysis may be required to treat the problem.
Dialysis may be required to treat the problem (Getty Stock Image)

Why risk is rising

Researchers and public health agencies often point to overlapping drivers: high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and higher body weight can increase CKD risk. Population aging can also raise overall case numbers because kidney function naturally declines with age for many people.

What’s often overlooked is how “silent” the early phase can be. When a condition hides until it becomes severe, it tends to be diagnosed later and treated later, too.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/m-gucci

Topics: Health, NHS, US News, World News

Doctors Urge People to Stop Taking Vitamin D If They Have These Four Symptoms

Vitamin D supplements have become a winter staple for millions of people. With less sunlight available during colder months, health officials often recommend topping up to support bone and muscle health.

But doctors are now reminding the public that more is not always better. If certain symptoms appear after starting or increasing vitamin D supplements, experts say it may be time to stop and reassess.

The warning is aimed at preventing unintended side effects linked to taking too much of the vitamin.

Why vitamin D is widely recommended

Vitamin D plays a key role in maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. During autumn and winter, sunlight alone is usually not enough for the body to produce sufficient levels.

Health guidance in the UK has long advised adults to consider a daily supplement of 10 micrograms during these months. Supplements are widely available and often taken without medical supervision.

That accessibility, experts say, can sometimes lead people to exceed recommended amounts without realizing it.

Nausea is never fun, is it?
Nausea is never fun, is it? (Getty Stock Photo)

When supplementation can become a problem

While vitamin D is essential, taking excessive amounts over time may disrupt the body’s balance of calcium and fluids. This can trigger a range of symptoms that are easy to overlook or misattribute.

Doctors stress that supplements should be treated with the same caution as medicines, particularly when taken daily.

Certain physical signals may indicate that vitamin D intake is no longer helping and could be doing harm.

Digestive discomfort and nausea

One of the earliest signs linked to excessive supplementation can be digestive upset. This may include nausea, burping, stomach pain, or general discomfort.

Experts note that some formulations, such as sprays or gummies, contain sweeteners that may irritate the digestive system. Switching to a standard tablet taken with food may reduce mild symptoms.

However, persistent nausea after supplement use should not be ignored.

Increased thirst and frequent urination

Another warning sign is constant thirst accompanied by more frequent trips to the bathroom. Doctors explain that too much vitamin D can interfere with how the body regulates fluids and salts.

This imbalance may cause dehydration-like symptoms, even when fluid intake seems normal.

If these changes appear soon after increasing vitamin D intake, specialists advise stopping the supplement and seeking medical advice.

Difficulty thinking clearly

Brain fog, headaches, or difficulty concentrating are also being highlighted as possible signs of excess intake. While vitamin D is often associated with improved wellbeing, too much may have the opposite effect.

Experts say these symptoms can be subtle and are sometimes blamed on stress, fatigue, or seasonal illness.

Noticing a clear link between supplement use and mental clarity changes is an important signal.

It may be because of your dose of vitamins...
It may be because of your dose of vitamins… (Getty Stock Photo)

Bone and muscle pain

Ironically, bone and muscle pain can also be a symptom of taking too much vitamin D. Doctors say this can happen when calcium levels in the body become unbalanced.

Persistent aches or cramps appearing after starting supplements may indicate the body is reacting poorly.

Reducing intake and staying hydrated may help, but ongoing pain should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

What doctors are advising

Biomedical scientists and clinicians are urging people to pay attention to how their bodies respond to supplements. Symptoms that appear soon after starting or increasing vitamin D should not be dismissed.

Experts emphasize that many people accidentally exceed recommended doses, particularly when using multiple supplements or fortified products.

The key message is moderation and awareness, rather than avoiding vitamin D altogether.

Putting safety first

For most people, vitamin D supplements taken at appropriate doses are safe and beneficial. Problems typically arise when intake exceeds guidance over time.

Doctors recommend checking supplement labels carefully and avoiding combining products without advice.

If symptoms develop, stopping the supplement and consulting a healthcare professional can help determine whether vitamin D is the cause.

A reminder about supplements

Vitamin supplements are often seen as harmless, but they can have real effects on the body. Treating them with the same caution as prescribed medication can help reduce unnecessary risks.

Listening to early warning signs, experts say, is one of the simplest ways to stay safe.

Health Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, diet, or treatment.

Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images

Topics: Health, NHS, Science, Weather

Woman, 23, Says Symptoms Were Dismissed Before Severe Full-Body Rash Appeared

For years, Lily Thompstone lived with constant discomfort that she struggled to explain. Doctors offered reassurance, but she says her concerns were repeatedly brushed aside.

At 23, her body eventually responded in a way she could no longer ignore. What began as gut problems escalated into a severe rash that spread across most of her body, forcing her to keep searching for answers.

Her experience has since resonated with others who say they, too, felt unheard before their symptoms worsened.

Living with ongoing discomfort

Thompstone, from Greater Manchester in England, says she had always dealt with digestive issues. Eating often made her feel unwell, and discomfort became part of her daily routine.

She was initially told she had irritable bowel syndrome. While IBS can be painful and disruptive, she felt the explanation didn’t fully account for how unwell she felt.

Despite repeated appointments, she says her symptoms were treated as manageable rather than concerning.

Lily Thompstone woke up with swollen lips.
Lily Thompstone woke up with swollen lips (Kennedy News and Media)
A sudden and frightening change

In May 2023, her health took a dramatic turn. She woke up one morning with severe swelling in her lips, which led to an urgent hospital visit.

Doctors initially suspected an allergic reaction and treated her with steroids. The swelling reduced, but Thompstone says the episode reinforced her belief that something deeper was wrong.

She recalls feeling alarmed, yet still unsure how to convince doctors that her symptoms were connected.

New symptoms, familiar frustration

About a month later, a rash appeared on her chest. Concerned, she visited multiple doctors hoping for clarity.

She was told it could be related to light sensitivity or psoriasis. While those explanations offered some direction, she says they still didn’t address the bigger picture.

Over time, the rash worsened rather than improved.

When the rash spread

The condition progressed quickly. Thompstone developed a scaly rash that eventually covered an estimated 80 to 90 percent of her body.

Showering became painful. Even small movements caused discomfort as her skin reacted.

She describes the experience as overwhelming, both physically and emotionally, and says it affected her confidence and willingness to be seen in public.

She a developed a 'scaly' rash that spread all over her body.
She a developed a ‘scaly’ rash that spread all over her body (Kennedy News and Media)
Coping while searching for answers

In an effort to calm her symptoms, she tried UVB light therapy and salt baths. These measures helped slightly, but did not resolve the underlying issue.

She also began sharing photos of her condition online. Alongside the images, she posted a message urging others to pay attention to prolonged stress and unresolved symptoms.

For her, the rash felt like a visible signal that her body was under strain.

The content creator shared images of her rash online with a warning to others.
The content creator shared images of her rash online with a warning to others (Kennedy News and Media)
A diagnosis after going private

After nearly a year without clear answers, Thompstone decided to seek private medical care. It was there that she was diagnosed with endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body. According to the NHS, it can cause chronic pain and digestive symptoms, and it is often difficult to diagnose.

Specialists reportedly found extensive signs of the condition, which Thompstone says explained years of pain that had previously been attributed to IBS.

Reflecting on the impact

Since her diagnosis, she has undergone two surgeries, the most recent in late 2025. While recovery has been challenging, she says finally having answers has been validating.

Looking back, Thompstone believes prolonged physical stress and the absence of a diagnosis contributed to her skin condition. She describes her body as being under sustained pressure, both physically and emotionally.

Now, she is encouraging others, particularly women, to advocate for themselves if symptoms persist.

She now believes years of 'chronic physical stress' from a lack of diagnosis was the cause of her rash.
She now believes years of ‘chronic physical stress’ from a lack of diagnosis was the cause of her rash (Kennedy News and Media)
Why her story is resonating

Delayed diagnosis is a common issue in chronic conditions, especially those with overlapping symptoms. Thompstone’s experience highlights how physical illness, stress, and mental health can intersect.

Her message is not about assigning blame, but about persistence. She says feeling dismissed had a lasting impact, but continuing to seek help ultimately changed the course of her health.

For many readers, her story serves as a reminder that unresolved symptoms deserve attention, even when initial explanations seem reassuring.

Health Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health, diet, or treatment.

Featured Image Credit: Kennedy News and Media