If you mean “23 strange signs your kidneys might be in trouble,” it’s important to know that kidney problems can be subtle. Many symptoms are not specific to kidney disease, but some changes are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Possible signs of kidney trouble
- Changes in urination
- Urinating much more or less than usual
- Waking frequently at night to urinate
- Foamy urine
- Blood in urine
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Swelling (fluid retention)
- Swollen ankles, feet, hands, or puffiness around the eyes
- Unexplained fatigue
- Feeling unusually tired or weak despite adequate rest
- Trouble concentrating
- Feeling mentally “foggy” or having difficulty focusing
- Itchy skin
- Persistent itching can occur, especially in more advanced kidney disease.
- Dry skin
- Muscle cramps
- May be related to changes in minerals and electrolytes.
- Poor appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Can occur with fluid buildup or anemia.
- High blood pressure
- Kidney disease and high blood pressure can worsen each other.
- Back or side discomfort
- Some kidney conditions cause pain, though many kidney problems do not.
- Unexplained weight changes
- Sudden weight gain may be due to fluid retention.
- Pale skin
- Can occur with anemia associated with kidney disease.
- Metallic taste or bad breath
- Can occur when waste products build up in advanced disease.
- Feeling cold more often
- Sometimes linked with anemia.
- Foamy urine that persists
- May indicate protein leakage into urine.
- Changes in urine color
- Especially persistent dark or bloody urine.
- Reduced appetite for protein foods
- Can occur with advanced kidney problems.
- Swelling around the eyes in the morning
- Numbness or tingling
- Can occur with some metabolic changes.
- Difficulty sleeping
- Itching, cramps, or other symptoms may interfere with sleep.
- General decline in well-being
- A feeling that something is “off,” especially with other symptoms.
When to get checked
Seek medical advice if you notice:
- Blood in urine
- Sudden changes in urination
- Significant swelling
- Severe fatigue without explanation
- Shortness of breath
- New symptoms if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of kidney problems
Kidney problems are often detected early with simple tests such as blood creatinine/eGFR and a urine test, sometimes before symptoms appear.
