The headline “23 Strange Signs Your Kidneys Might Be in Trouble” is a common health-content format. Kidney problems can sometimes develop quietly, but certain symptoms may be worth discussing with a healthcare professional. Having one of these signs does not automatically mean you have kidney disease—many have other possible causes.
Possible signs that may occur with kidney problems include:
- Changes in urination (more or less frequent than usual)
- Urinating more often at night
- Foamy or unusually bubbly urine
- Blood in the urine
- Dark, cloudy, or unusual-looking urine
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, hands, or around the eyes
- Persistent fatigue or low energy
- Trouble concentrating or feeling mentally foggy
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight changes
- Itchy skin
- Muscle cramps
- Dry or unusually pale skin
- Shortness of breath (from fluid buildup or related issues)
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control
- Back or side pain near the kidney area
- Sleep problems
- A metallic taste or bad breath
- Feeling cold more than usual
- Weakness
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- General feelings of being unwell
