23 Strange Signs Your Kidneys Might Be in Trouble
Your kidneys work continuously to remove waste, balance fluids, regulate blood pressure, and help produce healthy red blood cells. Kidney problems can develop slowly, and early symptoms are sometimes easy to overlook.
Having one or more of these signs does not necessarily mean you have kidney disease, but persistent or unexplained changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
1. Changes in Urination
Pay attention to changes such as:
- Urinating more often, especially at night
- Producing much less urine than usual
- A sudden increase in urgency
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
2. Foamy Urine
Persistent foam or bubbles in urine may sometimes indicate protein leakage, which can be a sign that the kidneys’ filtering system is not working properly.
3. Blood in the Urine
Pink, red, or tea-coloured urine can have several causes, including infections or kidney stones. It should be checked by a healthcare professional.
4. Swelling in the Feet, Ankles, or Hands
When kidneys cannot remove enough fluid, you may notice:
- Puffy ankles
- Swollen feet
- Tight rings or shoes
5. Puffiness Around the Eyes
Fluid retention or protein loss can sometimes cause swelling around the eyes, especially after waking.
6. Persistent Fatigue
Kidney problems may contribute to tiredness due to:
- Anaemia
- Waste buildup in the blood
- Poor sleep
7. Trouble Sleeping
Some people with kidney disease experience:
- Frequent waking to urinate
- Itching at night
- Restless legs
8. Dry, Itchy Skin
Advanced kidney problems can cause mineral and waste imbalances that may lead to persistent itching.
9. Muscle Cramps
Changes in minerals such as calcium and phosphorus can contribute to:
- Leg cramps
- Muscle discomfort
- Twitching
10. Poor Appetite
Possible changes include:
- Reduced interest in food
- Food tasting different
- Feeling full quickly
11. Nausea or Vomiting
As kidney function declines, waste products can build up and affect digestion.
12. Metallic Taste or Bad Breath
Some people with advanced kidney disease notice:
- A metallic taste
- Unpleasant breath changes
13. Difficulty Concentrating
Waste buildup, fatigue, or anaemia may contribute to:
- Trouble focusing
- Feeling mentally slowed down
- “Brain fog”
14. Shortness of Breath
This can happen due to:
- Fluid buildup
- Anaemia
- Effects on the heart and circulation
15. High Blood Pressure
Kidneys help regulate blood pressure. Kidney problems can contribute to high blood pressure, and high blood pressure can also damage kidneys.
16. Side or Back Pain
Pain near the kidney area may occur with conditions such as:
- Kidney stones
- Kidney infections
However, many chronic kidney diseases cause no pain.
17. Feeling Cold More Often
Anaemia related to kidney disease can make some people feel unusually cold.
18. Dizziness or Weakness
These may be related to:
- Anaemia
- Blood pressure changes
- Fluid or electrolyte problems
19. Unexplained Weight Changes
Kidney-related fluid retention may cause rapid weight gain, while reduced appetite may contribute to weight loss.
20. Numbness or Tingling
Advanced kidney disease can sometimes affect nerves, causing unusual sensations.
21. Persistent Hiccups
Rarely, severe kidney problems may be associated with ongoing hiccups.
22. Skin Colour Changes
Some people with advanced kidney disease may develop changes related to anaemia or waste buildup.
23. A General Feeling of Being Unwell
A combination of:
- Fatigue
- Appetite changes
- Swelling
- Urination changes
may be a reason to seek medical advice.
Who Is More at Risk of Kidney Disease?
Risk is higher if you have:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- A family history of kidney disease
- Older age
- Obesity
- Long-term use of certain pain medicines
Simple Tests That Check Kidney Health
Healthcare professionals may use:
- Blood tests (including creatinine and eGFR)
- Urine tests (checking for protein or blood)
- Blood pressure measurements
When to Seek Medical Advice Quickly
Seek medical attention if you have:
- A sudden major decrease in urine output
- Blood in urine
- Severe swelling
- Severe shortness of breath
