To know if you have kidney problems, early signs may be subtle or absent, but some things to watch for include:
- Changes in your urine such as foamy urine (protein in urine), blood in urine, or changes in frequency (more or less urination).
- Swelling in your hands, feet, ankles, or around your eyes due to water retention.
- Persistent fatigue, tiredness, or difficulty concentrating caused by toxin buildup.
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control.
- Muscle cramps, itchy skin, loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.
- Shortness of breath if fluid builds up in the lungs.
- Symptoms in later stages can include confusion, sleep problems, and decreased mental sharpness.
Because early kidney disease often has no symptoms, it is usually detected by blood tests (to check creatinine and estimate glomerular filtration rate - eGFR) and urine tests (to check protein or blood in urine). People at higher risk—such as those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history—should get regular testing. If symptoms or signs appear, consult a doctor promptly for diagnosis and management.
