<s>[INST] My doctor's office called and said the labs on my kidneys were abnormal, the doctor changed my hypertension medication and wants labs repeated in two weeks--does this sound like my kidneys may have been damaged and, if so, is it possible to reverse the damage? Also my skin has been itching for the past week--I thought it was an allergic reaction since it came on suddenly with my eyes and lips swelling, but that went away after a couple of days, althoughthe itching has not stopped-I read that you could develop a rash if your kidneys were not getting rid of the wasteCould this be a sign that my kidneys are not functioning to their full capacity--I don't have any other symptoms [/INST] Hello,          Certain anti-hypertensive medications need to be changed in case of deteriorating renal function,but that does not mean that your kidney is completely damaged.It is more of an issue of preference.Some drugs are preferred over others in certain situations.For example,a patient on ACE inhibitors for BP control is changed to a new drug when the potassium levels rise, as in kidney disease.It is a matter of deciding between risk and benefit ratio.           The history given by you regarding itching seems to be more of an allergic reaction only, as you yourselves said.Itching is a late symptom in kidney disease and rarely a presenting symptom, as is your fear.In allergic reactions swelling does reduce early  and itching persists for a longer time.           As I see,there is no reason for you to be anxious as of now.You can relax.Further investigations including renal function tests and Ultrasound scan of abdomen may give confirmation.                           Hope this was beneficial. </s>