If you’re asking about the headline “23 Strange Signs Your Kidneys Might Be in Trouble,” here are some possible warning signs that can occur with kidney problems. Many of these symptoms are not specific to kidney disease, but persistent or unexplained changes are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
23 Possible Signs of Kidney Problems
- Changes in urination
- Urinating much more or less than usual
- Waking frequently at night to urinate
- Foamy or bubbly urine
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or burning during urination
- Swelling (edema)
- Swollen feet, ankles, legs, hands, or around the eyes due to fluid buildup
- Persistent fatigue
- Feeling unusually tired or weak, sometimes related to anemia or toxin buildup
- Trouble concentrating
- Brain fog, confusion, or difficulty focusing
- Back or side pain
- Pain near the kidney area (though many causes of back pain are unrelated to kidneys)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight changes
- Itchy skin
- Can occur when waste products build up in advanced kidney disease
- Dry or unusually dark skin
- Muscle cramps or twitching
- Shortness of breath
- May occur from fluid buildup or anemia
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease and high blood pressure can worsen each other
- Puffy eyes, especially in the morning
- Bad breath or a metallic taste in the mouth
- Sleep problems
- Feeling cold more often than usual
- Chest discomfort
- In some cases related to fluid buildup or heart strain
- Foamy urine that persists
- May indicate protein leakage into urine
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Reduced ability to exercise or reduced stamina
- Changes in skin color or tone
- Sudden worsening of overall health without a clear cause
When to seek medical advice
Contact a healthcare professional if you notice symptoms such as blood in urine, sudden decrease in urine output, severe swelling, severe shortness of breath, confusion, or persistent changes in urination.
Kidney problems often develop quietly, so routine checks like blood pressure, blood creatinine/eGFR tests, and urine tests are important for people at higher risk (such as those with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease).
