If you’re asking about the headline “23 warning signs your kidneys may be asking for help,” the key point is that kidney disease is often silent in its early stages. Symptoms alone cannot tell you whether your kidneys are damaged.
Possible warning signs
Some symptoms associated with kidney problems include:
- Foamy or unusually bubbly urine
- Blood or pink/dark urine
- Urinating more often, especially at night
- Urinating much less than usual
- Swelling of the feet, ankles or legs
- Puffy eyes, particularly in the morning
- Swelling of the hands or face
- Persistent tiredness or weakness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Trouble sleeping
- Itchy or unusually dry skin
- Muscle cramps
- Poor appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unintentional weight loss
- Shortness of breath
- Changes in taste, including a metallic taste
- Persistent numbness or tingling
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Changes in urine color or appearance
- Painful or difficult urination
- Persistent symptoms of fluid buildup, such as worsening swelling or breathlessness.
Important: Many of these symptoms have causes unrelated to the kidneys. For example, frequent urination can occur with diabetes or a urinary infection, while swelling can also be related to heart or liver problems.
The best way to check your kidneys
Don’t wait for symptoms. A blood test for creatinine/eGFR and a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) are commonly used to assess kidney health. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure are particularly important candidates for testing.
