Kidney problems can develop gradually, and early kidney disease sometimes causes no symptoms at all. So a long list of “23 strange signs” can be misleading—many symptoms are nonspecific.
Symptoms that can occur with kidney problems
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Swelling around the ankles, feet, legs, hands, or sometimes around the eyes
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Changes in urination, such as much more or less urine, increased nighttime urination, or persistent foamy urine
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Blood in the urine, which can make it pink, red, or cola-colored
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Fatigue or weakness
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Poor appetite, nausea, or vomiting
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Itching or dry skin
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Muscle cramps
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Difficulty concentrating or unusual drowsiness
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Shortness of breath, particularly when fluid accumulates
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High blood pressure, which can both contribute to and result from kidney disease
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Pain in the side/back can occur with some kidney conditions, although chronic kidney disease itself often doesn’t cause pain.
A key point
Symptoms alone cannot reliably tell you whether your kidneys are functioning normally. Blood and urine tests are much more useful. Common screening tests include serum creatinine/eGFR and a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR).
People with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or a family history of kidney disease may benefit from regular kidney-function testing.
Seek urgent medical care for very little or no urine, severe breathlessness, severe weakness/confusion, or visible blood in the urine accompanied by significant pain or illness.
If you’re asking because you have a particular symptom—such as foamy urine, swollen legs, nighttime urination, or itching—tell me which one, and I can explain how strongly it points toward a kidney problem.
