If you’re referring to the headline “9 Warning Signs Your Kidneys Are Failing | Tests to Avoid Dialysis,” there’s an important distinction: early chronic kidney disease often causes no symptoms at all. Testing is much more reliable than waiting for warning signs.
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9 signs that can occur as kidney disease becomes more advanced
Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, hands, or around the eyes.
Foamy or unusually bubbly urine, which can indicate excess protein.
Blood in the urine, making it pink, red, or cola-colored.
Changes in urination—going much more or less often than usual.
Persistent fatigue or weakness.
Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.
Itchy or unusually dry skin.
Muscle cramps or weakness.
Shortness of breath, particularly when fluid accumulates in the body.
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These symptoms do not prove kidney failure and can have many other causes.
The two most important kidney tests
1. Blood creatinine → eGFR
The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) indicates how well the kidneys filter blood. An eGFR below 60 can indicate kidney disease when persistent, while eGFR of 15 or lower is considered kidney failure.
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2. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR)
Albumin leaking into urine can indicate kidney damage. A UACR above 30 mg/g may be abnormal and generally needs appropriate follow-up or repeat testing.
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Blood pressure, blood glucose, electrolytes and other tests may also be important depending on the individual situation. Diabetes and high blood pressure are major risk factors for chronic kidney disease.
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Can you prevent dialysis?
Often, kidney disease can be slowed substantially when detected and treated early, although there is no guaranteed way to prevent dialysis in every case. Controlling blood pressure and diabetes when present, addressing the underlying kidney disease, and following an individualized treatment plan can help protect remaining kidney function.
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Don’t wait for symptoms to get tested if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure.
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