A creatinine problem generally refers to having high levels of creatinine in your blood. Creatinine is a waste product that your kidneys filter out of your blood. If your kidneys aren't working properly, creatinine can build up in your blood.
High creatinine levels can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- Kidney damage: This is the most common cause of high creatinine levels. Kidney damage can be caused by a variety of factors, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain medications.
- Dehydration: If you are dehydrated, your body will have a harder time filtering out creatinine.
- Muscle disorders and injuries: Muscle breakdown can release creatinine into the bloodstream, leading to higher levels.
It's important to note that high creatinine levels don't always mean you have a kidney problem. Other conditions, such as dehydration and muscle disorders, can also cause high creatinine levels. If you have high creatinine levels, your doctor will need to determine the underlying cause.
Here are some signs and symptoms of high creatinine levels:
- Fatigue (feeling tired all the time)
- Changes in how often you pee
- Loss of appetite
- Bad taste in your mouth
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see your doctor. They can perform a creatinine test to check your levels and help determine the cause of your elevated creatinine.
