The headline “23 Strange Signs Your Kidneys Might Be in Trouble” is somewhat misleading. There are several symptoms associated with kidney disease, but having one of them does not mean your kidneys are failing. Many symptoms have other, more common explanations.
Possible warning signs
Some symptoms that can occur with kidney disease include:
- Foamy or persistently bubbly urine — can indicate protein leaking into the urine.
- Blood or pink/brown urine — can have many causes, including kidney disease, stones, or urinary infections.
- Urinating more or less often, particularly increased urination at night.
- Swelling around the ankles, feet, legs, hands, or face.
- Puffy eyes, especially in the morning.
- Persistent fatigue or weakness.
- Poor appetite, nausea, or vomiting.
- Itchy or unusually dry skin.
- Muscle cramps.
- Trouble concentrating or sleeping.
- Shortness of breath, particularly with advanced kidney disease. (National Kidney Foundation)
The surprising part: kidney disease can have no symptoms
This is more important than any viral list. Early chronic kidney disease often causes no noticeable symptoms at all. The only way to reliably detect it is through testing. (NIDDK)
People with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure have a higher risk and should discuss kidney screening with their healthcare professional. (NIDDK)
How are kidneys checked?
Common tests include:
- eGFR: a blood test that estimates how well the kidneys filter blood.
- Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR): checks for albumin/protein leaking into urine.
- Blood pressure measurement, because high blood pressure and kidney disease can contribute to each other. (NIDDK)
Bottom line: Don’t try to diagnose kidney disease from a “23 signs” checklist. Persistent swelling, blood in the urine, significant changes in urination, or unexplained fatigue deserve medical evaluation, but normal-looking urine and feeling well don’t necessarily mean the kidneys are healthy. Testing is much more reliable. (National Kidney Foundation)
