“23 Strange Signs Your Kidneys Might Be in Trouble”
is a typical health headline. While kidney disease can cause symptoms, early kidney disease often has no symptoms at all, which is why routine testing is important for people at higher risk (such as those with diabetes or high blood pressure).
Some signs and symptoms that can occur with kidney problems include:
Possible signs of kidney disease
- Swelling (edema) in the feet, ankles, legs, hands, or around the eyes due to fluid retention.
- Changes in urination, such as:
- Urinating more or less than usual
- Needing to urinate more often at night
- Foamy or frothy urine (which can indicate excess protein)
- Blood in the urine
- Persistent fatigue or weakness, sometimes related to anemia or reduced kidney function.
- Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.
- Itchy skin, especially in more advanced kidney disease.
- Muscle cramps, which may occur due to fluid or electrolyte imbalances.
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally “foggy.”
- Shortness of breath, which can result from fluid buildup or anemia.
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control.
- Persistent puffiness around the eyes, which can sometimes be associated with protein loss in the urine.
Who is at higher risk?
- People with diabetes
- People with high blood pressure
- Adults over 60
- Those with a family history of kidney disease
- People with heart disease
- Individuals who regularly use high doses of NSAID pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or naproxen)
How kidney disease is detected
Because symptoms often appear late, doctors commonly use:
- A blood test to measure kidney function (such as serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR).
- A urine test to check for protein or blood.
When to seek prompt medical care
Seek medical attention if you have:
- Blood in your urine
- Little or no urine output
- Significant swelling with shortness of breath
- Severe flank (side) pain with fever or vomiting
- Sudden, unexplained swelling or rapid weight gain
The “23 strange signs” headline is designed to attract attention. The key point is that kidney disease is often silent in its early stages, so people at increased risk benefit more from regular screening than from waiting for symptoms to appear.
