23 signs your kidneys might be in trouble
The headline is a little misleading: early kidney disease often causes no noticeable symptoms at all. Symptoms tend to appear as kidney function becomes more impaired, and many of the signs below have other possible causes.
Here are symptoms that can occur with kidney problems:
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Swelling of the ankles, feet, or legs
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Puffiness around the eyes
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Foamy or persistently bubbly urine
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Blood in the urine
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Urinating more often, particularly at night
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Urinating much less than usual
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A noticeable change in urine output
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Persistent fatigue
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Weakness
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Difficulty concentrating or unusual confusion
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Poor appetite
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Persistent or unexplained itching
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Dry or irritated skin
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Muscle cramps
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Muscle weakness
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Sleep difficulties
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Shortness of breath from fluid accumulation or anemia
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High blood pressure, particularly when difficult to control
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Pain in the side or back, which can occur with some kidney conditions
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A metallic taste or ammonia-like breath in advanced kidney failure
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Unintentional weight changes, particularly when accompanied by poor appetite or fluid retention
