10 Possible Signs of Kidney Disease That Are Easy to Miss
Kidney disease often develops without obvious symptoms in its early stages. Many people feel well until kidney function has declined significantly. The only reliable way to detect early kidney disease is through blood and urine tests, especially if you have risk factors such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Possible signs and symptoms include:
1. Fatigue or low energy
- Reduced kidney function can lead to anemia and a buildup of waste products, causing persistent tiredness.
2. Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or around the eyes
- The kidneys help regulate fluid balance. When they aren’t working properly, fluid can accumulate.
3. Changes in urination
- Urinating more often or less often than usual
- Waking frequently at night to urinate
- Foamy urine (which can be a sign of protein in the urine)
- Blood in the urine
4. Persistent itching
- Advanced kidney disease can sometimes cause widespread itching due to changes in minerals and waste products in the body.
5. Loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting
- These symptoms may occur as kidney function worsens.
6. Muscle cramps
- Changes in electrolyte levels may contribute to cramping.
7. Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally “foggy”
- A buildup of waste products or anemia can affect concentration.
8. Dry skin
- Skin changes may occur as kidney disease progresses.
9. Shortness of breath
- This may result from fluid buildup, anemia, or other complications.
10. High blood pressure
- High blood pressure is both a major cause of kidney disease and a possible consequence of it.
When to seek medical care
Arrange a medical evaluation if you have persistent symptoms or if you have risk factors such as:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- A family history of kidney disease
Seek urgent medical care if you have:
- Blood in your urine
- Very little or no urine output
- Severe swelling
- Chest pain or severe shortness of breath
- Confusion or extreme drowsiness
How kidney disease is diagnosed
Doctors typically use:
- Blood tests (such as creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR)
- Urine tests (to look for protein or blood)
- Sometimes imaging tests, such as a kidney ultrasound
Many of these symptoms have causes other than kidney disease. If you’re concerned about your kidney health, testing is much more reliable than symptoms alone. Early detection can help slow or prevent further kidney damage.
