Kidney Problems: Don't ignore a puffy face; it could be the first sign of kidney disease.:Swelling of the eyes in the morning is called periorbital puffiness. This can be the first sign of kidney disease. It occurs when the kidney's filtering units (nephrons) become less functional.

News Topical, Digital Desk : If your eyes appear puffy upon waking in the morning, people often attribute it to fatigue, staying up late, or poor sleeping position. However, this common mistake can sometimes be a sign of a serious health problem. Early morning swelling around the eyes can sometimes be the first sign of decreased kidney function. A nephrology specialist explains that eye swelling can be one of the most important early signs of kidney problems. So, let's explore how swelling of the eyes and face can be the first sign of kidney disease.

How Eye and Facial Swelling Can Be the First Sign of Kidney Disease

Morning puffiness in the eyes (called periorbital puffiness) can be the first sign of kidney disease. It occurs when the kidney's filtering units (nephrons) become less functional and protein begins to leak into the urine. Specifically, a protein called albumin is affected. This protein helps maintain fluid in the blood. When this protein is lost to urine, fluid begins to accumulate in the body's tissues, causing swelling around the face and especially the eyes.

Why is swelling more noticeable in the morning?

When you lie down flat while sleeping, gravity causes fluid to accumulate in the tissues, especially under the eyes. As the day progresses, this fluid moves to the feet and ankles, and eye swelling becomes less noticeable.

Other signs and symptoms of swelling of eyes and face

Apart from kidney problems, there can be some temporary reasons for swelling in the eyes. Such as lack of sleep, allergies, eating too much salt, dehydration, but if the swelling persists and other symptoms appear along with it, then it should not be ignored. At the same time, there can be serious signs like foamy or frothy urine, persistent swelling in the ankles, fatigue and weakness, increasing blood sugar.

Who should take special precautions?

Diabetics, those with high blood sugar, and those with a family history of kidney disease should not ignore eye swelling, as it could be an early warning sign. Many kidney functions are linked to other body systems, such as the heart and blood sugar control, so ignoring early symptoms, especially eye swelling, can pose a health risk.