17 Signs of Kidney Trouble You Shouldn’t Ignore
The kidneys filter waste, regulate fluids, help control blood pressure, and produce hormones that support red blood cell production and bone health. Early kidney disease often causes no symptoms, so these signs don’t necessarily mean you have kidney disease—but they are reasons to seek medical advice if they persist.
Possible warning signs
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, hands, or around the eyes.
- Changes in urination, such as urinating more or less often than usual.
- Foamy or frothy urine, which can sometimes indicate protein in the urine.
- Blood in the urine, which can appear pink, red, or cola-colored.
- Persistent fatigue or weakness, sometimes related to anemia or waste buildup.
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally “foggy.”
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea or vomiting, especially in more advanced kidney disease.
- Persistent itching, which can occur in advanced kidney disease.
- Muscle cramps, particularly in the legs.
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control.
- Shortness of breath, which can result from fluid buildup or anemia.
- Puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning.
- Dry skin.
- Pain in the side or lower back, especially if related to kidney stones or infection (many forms of chronic kidney disease do not cause pain).
- Bad breath or a metallic taste, which may occur in advanced kidney disease.
- Trouble sleeping, which is more common in people with chronic kidney disease.
When to seek urgent medical care
Seek prompt medical attention if you have:
- Blood in your urine
- Severe pain in your side or back with fever or vomiting
- Little or no urine output
- Sudden swelling with difficulty breathing
- Symptoms of a severe kidney infection, such as high fever, chills, and flank pain
Who is at higher risk?
You may have a higher risk of kidney disease if you have:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- A family history of kidney disease
- A history of kidney stones
- Age over 60
Protecting your kidneys
- Keep blood pressure and blood sugar under control.
- Stay well hydrated unless you’ve been told to limit fluids.
- Don’t smoke.
- Exercise regularly.
- Avoid frequent or long-term use of certain pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) unless advised by a healthcare professional.
- Have regular checkups if you’re at increased risk.
