If you’re referring to the headline “23 Strange Signs Your Kidneys Might Be in Trouble,” it’s important to separate legitimate warning signs from internet myths. Kidney problems can be silent, especially in early stages, so symptoms alone cannot diagnose kidney disease.
23 possible signs to know about
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, or around the eyes — excess fluid can accumulate when kidney function is impaired.
- Changes in urination — going much more or less often than usual can sometimes signal a kidney or urinary problem.
- Foamy or unusually bubbly urine — persistent foam can be associated with excess protein in the urine.
- Blood in the urine — pink, red, or cola-colored urine should be medically evaluated.
- Very dark urine — can have many causes, including dehydration, medications, foods, or urinary/kidney problems.
- Painful urination — may indicate a urinary infection or another urinary-tract problem.
- Pain in the side or back — particularly severe or persistent pain can occur with kidney stones or infection.
- Persistent fatigue — advanced kidney disease can contribute to anemia and reduced energy.
- Weakness — metabolic and electrolyte disturbances can cause generalized weakness.
- Trouble concentrating — buildup of waste products in advanced kidney disease can affect mental sharpness.
- Sleep problems — kidney disease is associated with disrupted sleep and restless legs.
- Itchy skin — persistent itching can occur in more advanced kidney disease.
- Dry skin — may accompany the mineral and fluid disturbances associated with kidney dysfunction.
- Muscle cramps — electrolyte and fluid abnormalities can contribute to cramps.
- Nausea — accumulation of waste products can cause nausea, particularly in advanced disease.
- Loss of appetite — another possible consequence of significant kidney dysfunction.
- Unintentional weight loss — can occur when kidney disease is advanced, although there are many other possible causes.
- Puffiness around the eyes — particularly when persistent, it can be associated with protein loss through the kidneys.
- High blood pressure — kidney disease can cause hypertension, while hypertension can also damage the kidneys.
- Shortness of breath — can occur when excess fluid builds up or when kidney disease contributes to anemia.
- Bad or metallic taste in the mouth — advanced kidney disease can alter taste and cause an unpleasant taste.
- Ammonia-like breath — severe buildup of waste products can cause a characteristic breath odor.
- Confusion or unusual drowsiness — this can occur in severe kidney failure and requires urgent medical attention.
The important catch
Many of these symptoms are not specific to kidney disease. For example, dark urine can simply mean dehydration, while back pain can come from muscles or the spine. Conversely, chronic kidney disease may cause no noticeable symptoms at all in its early stages.
The most useful way to check kidney health is through medical testing, typically blood creatinine/eGFR and a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), along with blood pressure assessment.
Seek urgent medical care for very little or no urine, severe breathing difficulty, confusion, severe flank pain with fever, or visible blood in the urine.
