Can You Still Have Water Retention with Normal Kidney Function?

Hello,

Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.

No, it is not true that you cannot experience water retention if your kidney function tests are normal. While kidney dysfunction is a common cause of fluid retention, water retention can still occur even with normal kidney function. Kidney function tests, like measuring the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and checking for proteinuria, primarily assess how well the kidneys filter waste and excess fluid. Normal results indicate that the kidneys are functioning well in this regard. However, water retention can occur due to other factors, such as hormonal changes, especially in women around the menstrual cycle or pregnancy, cardiovascular issues like congestive heart failure, or blockages in the lymphatic system. Medications such as corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and some blood pressure medications can also cause fluid retention. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as excessive salt intake, lack of exercise, and obesity can contribute to water retention. Therefore, while normal kidney function tests are reassuring, they do not rule out other underlying causes of fluid buildup. If you're experiencing symptoms of water retention despite normal kidney function results, it’s important to discuss these other potential causes with your doctor for further investigation and appropriate management.

Thanks