9 Warning Signs Your Kidneys May Be Failing — and the Tests That Matter
The headline needs an important correction: kidney failure usually cannot be diagnosed from symptoms alone. Early chronic kidney disease often causes no symptoms, which is why blood and urine testing is so important.
🚩 Possible warning signs
As kidney disease becomes more advanced, you may experience:
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs or hands
- Urinating much more or less than usual
- Persistent fatigue or weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Itchy skin
- Muscle cramps
- Sleep problems
- Shortness of breath, particularly when excess fluid accumulates
These symptoms aren’t specific to kidney disease, so having one doesn’t mean your kidneys are failing.
🧪 The tests that can actually detect kidney problems
1. eGFR blood test
This estimates how well your kidneys filter blood. An eGFR below 60 that persists for at least three months can indicate chronic kidney disease; an eGFR around 15 or lower is generally considered kidney failure.
2. Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR)
This looks for albumin (protein) leaking into the urine. A persistent uACR above 30 mg/g can indicate kidney damage.
3. Blood pressure and blood glucose
High blood pressure and diabetes are two of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease, so controlling them is important for slowing progression.
🛑 Can these tests “avoid dialysis”?
They cannot guarantee that dialysis will be avoided, but detecting kidney disease early can provide an opportunity to treat its cause and slow progression. Dialysis is generally considered when kidney function has become severely reduced and the kidneys can no longer adequately maintain the body’s needs.
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure, ask your healthcare professional about regular eGFR and uACR testing, even if you feel completely well.
