23 signs that may occur with kidney problems
The headline is a little misleading: there isn’t a reliable list of 23 symptoms that can diagnose kidney disease. Early chronic kidney disease often causes no symptoms at all, which is why blood and urine testing can be important for people at increased risk.
Possible signs include:
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Swelling around the ankles or feet
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Swelling around the eyes, particularly in the morning
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Foamy or unusually bubbly urine
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Blood or pink/red urine
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Urinating much more often, especially at night
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Urinating much less than usual
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Changes in urine appearance or amount
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Persistent fatigue
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Weakness
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Difficulty concentrating or feeling unusually foggy
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Poor appetite
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Nausea or vomiting
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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
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Muscle weakness
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Headaches
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Sleep problems
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Shortness of breath, particularly when fluid accumulates
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High blood pressure that is difficult to control
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Pain in the side or back, which can occur with some kidney conditions but isn’t a typical symptom of uncomplicated chronic kidney disease
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Metallic taste or ammonia-like breath in advanced kidney dysfunction
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Unintentional weight changes, particularly when accompanied by poor appetite or fluid retention
These symptoms are not specific to kidney disease. For example, swelling can result from heart or liver problems, while fatigue and changes in urination have many possible causes.
The important part: kidney disease can be silent
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, a family history of kidney disease, or previous kidney problems, ask your healthcare professional whether you should have kidney testing even if you feel completely well.
Common tests include a blood creatinine/eGFR measurement and a urine test for albumin (protein).
🚨 Get urgent medical help if
You develop very little or no urine, severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, severe weakness, or rapidly worsening swelling.
Bottom line: Don’t wait for 23 symptoms before checking your kidneys. Persistent or unexplained changes in urine, swelling, blood pressure, or general health deserve evaluation, and routine testing is often more useful than symptoms for detecting kidney disease early.
