23 Strange Signs Your Kidneys Might Be in Trouble
Your kidneys filter waste, balance fluids and minerals, help control blood pressure, and produce hormones involved in red blood cell production and bone health. Early kidney disease often causes few or no symptoms, so these signs do not necessarily mean you have kidney disease. However, persistent or unexplained symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
23 Possible Signs
- Changes in how often you urinate
- Foamy or bubbly urine (which can indicate protein in the urine)
- Blood in the urine
- Swelling of the feet, ankles, hands, or around the eyes
- Persistent fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Itchy skin
- Dry skin
- Muscle cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- A metallic taste in the mouth
- Bad breath with an ammonia-like odor
- Shortness of breath
- High blood pressure
- Pain in the back or side (flank pain), especially with kidney stones or infection
- Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia)
- Puffy eyes, especially in the morning
- Feeling unusually cold (which can occur with anemia)
- Unexplained weight loss
- Trouble sleeping
- Persistent swelling or fluid retention
- General weakness or feeling unwell
Who Is at Higher Risk?
You may be at increased risk of kidney disease if you have:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- A family history of kidney disease
- Obesity
- Age over 60
- Long-term use of certain pain relievers (NSAIDs)
When to Seek Medical Care
Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if you notice:
- Blood in your urine
- Persistent swelling
- Ongoing changes in urination
- Unexplained fatigue or weakness
- High blood pressure that’s difficult to control
Seek urgent medical attention if you have:
- Severe flank pain with fever or chills
- Inability to urinate
- Severe shortness of breath
- Confusion or sudden changes in alertness
How Kidney Disease Is Checked
If kidney disease is suspected, your healthcare professional may recommend:
- Blood tests (such as creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR])
- Urine tests (including a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio)
- Blood pressure measurement
- Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, if needed
Many kidney diseases can be treated or slowed, especially when found early. Regular checkups are particularly important for people with diabetes
