If you mean “23 strange signs your kidneys might be in trouble,” here are some symptoms that can occur with kidney problems. Many are nonspecific, so having one or more does not necessarily mean kidney disease.
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Foamy or unusually bubbly urine — can indicate excess protein in urine.
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Blood in the urine — urine may look pink, red, brown, or tea-colored.
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Urinating much more often — particularly at night.
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Urinating much less than usual.
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Puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning.
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Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, or hands from fluid retention.
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Unexplained fatigue or weakness.
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Difficulty concentrating or feeling mentally foggy.
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Persistent nausea or vomiting.
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Poor appetite or food suddenly tasting different.
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A metallic or ammonia-like taste or bad breath.
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Itchy skin without an obvious cause.
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Dry or unusually itchy skin.
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Muscle cramps, especially in the legs.
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Muscle weakness or twitching.
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Shortness of breath, particularly when fluid accumulates or anemia develops.
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Trouble sleeping or restless sleep.
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Headaches related to high blood pressure or other complications.
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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 or back below the ribs, which can occur with some kidney infections or stones.
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Fever and chills with urinary symptoms, potentially indicating a kidney infection.
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Changes in urine color, odor, or appearance that persist.
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Unexplained weight changes, particularly rapid weight gain from fluid retention.
Important distinction
Chronic kidney disease can have no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Blood and urine tests are therefore much more reliable than symptoms alone. Common screening tests include serum creatinine/eGFR and a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR).
Seek urgent medical care for very little or no urine, severe shortness of breath, confusion, severe weakness, or visible blood in the urine, especially if these symptoms appear suddenly.
