If you’re asking about the headline “17 signs of kidney trouble you can see—don’t ignore #3,” there is some truth behind it, but these signs do not prove that someone has kidney disease. Many have other causes, and early chronic kidney disease often causes no noticeable symptoms at all. Blood and urine testing is often needed to detect it.
17 possible signs to know
- Swollen ankles, feet or legs — can occur when the kidneys retain excess salt and fluid.
- Puffy eyes or face — especially when associated with protein leaking into the urine.
- Foamy or unusually bubbly urine — persistent foam can indicate excess protein in the urine and deserves evaluation.
- Blood in the urine — urine may appear pink, red, brown or cola-colored. Kidney disease is one possible cause, but infections, stones and other conditions can also cause this.
- Urinating more often — particularly increased nighttime urination.
- Urinating much less than usual — reduced urine output can occur with significant kidney dysfunction and should be assessed.
- Persistent tiredness or weakness — advanced kidney disease can cause fatigue.
- Itchy skin — particularly in more advanced kidney disease.
- Muscle cramps — changes in fluid and mineral balance can contribute to cramps.
- Nausea or vomiting — can occur when kidney function becomes significantly impaired.
- Loss of appetite — is another possible symptom of advanced kidney disease.
- Unintentional weight loss — particularly when accompanied by poor appetite or other symptoms.
- Shortness of breath — can occur when excess fluid accumulates or with complications of advanced kidney disease.
- Difficulty concentrating or confusion — can occur with more advanced kidney dysfunction.
- Sleep problems — kidney failure can be associated with poor sleep and daytime tiredness.
- Bad or altered taste in the mouth — advanced kidney disease can affect taste and appetite.
- High blood pressure — kidney disease can cause high blood pressure, while high blood pressure can also damage the kidneys.
