Your kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from your blood, help control blood pressure, and support healthy bones and blood production. When kidney function declines, symptoms can sometimes be subtle.
Here are 23 possible warning signs that may be linked to kidney problems (many can also have other causes):
- Changes in urination — going much more or less often than usual.
- Foamy or bubbly urine — can be a sign of protein leaking into urine.
- Blood in the urine — may appear pink, red, or tea-colored.
- Waking up often at night to urinate.
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, hands, or around the eyes — from fluid buildup.
- Persistent fatigue or low energy.
- Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog.”
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Itchy skin.
- Dry skin.
- Muscle cramps or twitching.
- Shortness of breath — sometimes related to fluid buildup or anemia.
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control.
- Feeling cold more than usual — sometimes related to anemia.
- Bad breath or a metallic taste in the mouth.
- Sleep problems.
- Puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning.
- Pain in the side or lower back area (depending on the cause).
- Frequent urinary tract infections.
- Changes in skin color or a grayish appearance (more common in advanced disease).
- Confusion or severe weakness (can occur in serious kidney problems).
Who should be especially careful?
People with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, a family history of kidney disease, or frequent use of certain pain medicines (such as NSAIDs) have a higher risk.
When to seek medical help
Get medical advice if you notice blood in urine, sudden swelling, a major change in urination, severe weakness, chest pain, confusion, or shortness of breath.
A simple check of blood pressure, urine tests, and kidney function blood tests (such as creatinine/eGFR) can help detect kidney problems early.
