Kidneys problems can sometimes develop quietly, and early symptoms may be easy to miss. However, many of the signs below are not specific to kidney disease and can also occur with other conditions. The only way to know how well your kidneys are working is through medical evaluation, including blood and urine tests.
23 possible signs that may occur with kidney problems
- Changes in urination
- Urinating much more or less than usual
- Waking up often at night to urinate
- Foamy or bubbly urine
- May be a sign of protein in the urine
- Blood in the urine
- Dark, cloudy, or unusual-smelling urine
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or around the eyes
- Caused by fluid retention
- Persistent fatigue or low energy
- Difficulty concentrating or feeling “foggy”
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Itchy skin
- Dry skin
- Muscle cramps
- Shortness of breath
- Can occur with fluid buildup or anemia related to kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Kidneys help regulate blood pressure
- Puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning
- Unexplained weight changes
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Bad breath with an ammonia-like smell
- Sleep problems
- Back or side pain
- More common with some kidney conditions, such as stones or infection
- Frequent urinary infections
- Feeling generally unwell without a clear reason
Higher-risk groups
Kidney disease is more common in people with:
- Type 2 Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- A family history of kidney disease
- Long-term use of certain medicines that can affect kidney function
When to seek medical help quickly
Seek urgent care for:
- A sudden major drop in urine output
- Blood in urine
- Severe swelling
- Severe shortness of breath
- Confusion or extreme weakness
If you are concerned about your kidneys, useful tests to discuss with a healthcare professional include:
- Serum creatinine and eGFR (blood tests)
- Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR)
If you share your age, symptoms, blood pressure, creatinine, or eGFR result, I can help you understand what those numbers may mean.
