23 Strange Signs Your Kidneys Might Be in Trouble
Your kidneys filter waste, balance fluids and minerals, help regulate blood pressure, and produce hormones that support red blood cell production and bone health. Early kidney disease often causes no symptoms, so these signs are not specific to kidney problems and can have many other causes.
Possible Signs
- Fatigue or low energy – Waste buildup or anemia related to kidney disease can cause tiredness.
- Swelling (edema) – Swollen feet, ankles, hands, or around the eyes can occur when the kidneys don’t remove excess fluid effectively.
- Changes in urination – You may notice urinating more or less often, especially at night.
- Foamy or frothy urine – Persistent foam can sometimes indicate excess protein in the urine.
- Blood in the urine – Pink, red, or brown urine should always be evaluated.
- Dark or cloudy urine – This may have many causes, including dehydration, infection, or kidney problems.
- Persistent itching – Advanced kidney disease can contribute to widespread itching.
- Muscle cramps – Changes in electrolyte levels may play a role.
- Poor appetite – Feeling less interested in food can occur in many illnesses, including kidney disease.
- Nausea or vomiting – These symptoms may develop if kidney function is significantly reduced.
- Difficulty concentrating – Anemia or waste buildup can affect mental clarity.
- Shortness of breath – This can occur from fluid buildup or anemia, among many other causes.
- High blood pressure – Kidney disease can both cause and result from high blood pressure.
- Puffiness around the eyes – Persistent puffiness may be associated with protein loss in the urine.
- Metallic taste in the mouth – Sometimes seen in advanced kidney disease.
- Bad breath – Waste buildup can affect breath odor in severe cases.
- Dry skin – Can occur for many reasons, including advanced kidney disease.
- Sleep problems – Poor sleep is more common in people with chronic kidney disease.
- Restless legs – This can have several causes, including kidney disease.
- Persistent back or side pain – Pain near the kidneys may occur with infections, kidney stones, or certain kidney disorders, but many kidney diseases are painless.
- Frequent urinary tract infections – Recurrent infections may sometimes be related to urinary tract abnormalities.
- Kidney stones – Severe flank pain, blood in the urine, and nausea may suggest stones, though they are a separate condition from chronic kidney disease.
- Unexplained weight loss – This is a nonspecific symptom that can occur with many medical conditions.
When to Seek Medical Care
Contact a healthcare professional if you notice:
- Blood in your urine
- Persistent swelling
- Foamy urine that doesn’t go away
- Ongoing changes in urination
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control
Seek urgent medical attention if you have:
- Severe flank or back pain with fever
- Inability to urinate
- Significant blood in the urine
- Severe swelling with shortness of breath
Bottom line
Many of these symptoms are common and can be caused by conditions other than kidney disease. Because kidney disease often develops silently, people at higher risk—such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease—may benefit from regular checkups, including blood and urine tests, even if they feel well.
