Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is often referred to as a “silent killer” for a reason – it creeps up slowly, with many people unaware that their kidneys are deteriorating until it’s almost too late. The warning signs can be subtle or mistaken for something less serious, which is why so many cases go unnoticed until the damage is irreversible. The truth is, if left untreated, kidney disease can lead to severe complications, including kidney failure, the need for dialysis, or even death. Yet, the early signs and symptoms are there, hidden in plain sight, waiting to be recognised before it’s too late.

Ignoring the early indicators can be dangerous. Your body could be screaming for help, yet without recognising these symptoms, you might miss the critical window for early intervention. Knowing what to look for – those unsettling changes in your body – could be the difference between managing the disease or suffering its devastating consequences. Let’s break down the signs and symptoms that could signal a looming crisis for your kidneys.

1. Persistent Fatigue and Tiredness

One of the early signs of kidney disease is a constant feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. This happens because damaged kidneys produce less of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which is responsible for encouraging the production of red blood cells. With fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body, you may develop anaemia, which causes fatigue.

What to look for:

• Feeling tired all the time, even after a good night’s sleep.
• Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly.
• General weakness that doesn’t go away with rest.

2. Swelling in the Feet, Ankles, and Hands

Swelling, also known as oedema, can occur when your kidneys aren’t removing enough fluid from your body. This can lead to a build-up of fluid, especially in your legs, ankles, feet, and sometimes in your face or hands.

What to look for:

• Puffy ankles or feet, particularly after sitting or standing for long periods.
• Tightness in shoes or rings feeling tighter on your fingers.
• Puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning.

3. Changes in Urination

Since your kidneys are responsible for producing urine, changes in your urinary habits can be a strong indicator that something is wrong. You might notice you’re going more frequently or that your urine looks different.

What to look for:

• Needing to pee more often, especially during the night.
• Urine that’s foamy or bubbly, which can indicate protein in the urine (a sign of kidney damage).
• Blood in your urine, which can be a sign of severe damage or infection.
• Pain or discomfort when passing urine, potentially pointing to an infection.

4. High Blood Pressure

Kidneys play an important role in regulating blood pressure by balancing fluid levels and salt in your body. If they’re not functioning properly, this balance can be thrown off, leading to high blood pressure, which can further harm your kidneys.

What to look for:

• Consistently high blood pressure readings, despite treatment.
• Sudden onset of high blood pressure, especially in someone who has previously had normal levels.

5. Breathlessness

Kidney disease can cause shortness of breath in a couple of ways. Firstly, excess fluid may build up in your lungs, causing breathlessness. Secondly, anaemia caused by reduced EPO production can lead to low oxygen levels in your body, making you feel short of breath.

What to look for:

• Difficulty breathing after mild physical activity.
• Feeling out of breath while lying down or sleeping.
• Persistent coughing, particularly at night.

6. Nausea and Vomiting

If your kidneys aren’t filtering waste from your blood properly, toxins can start to accumulate, leading to a condition known as uraemia. This can cause nausea and vomiting, particularly after eating.

What to look for:

• A constant feeling of nausea, often first thing in the morning.
• Loss of appetite, particularly for foods that are usually enjoyed.
• Vomiting or gagging without apparent cause.

7. Metallic Taste in the Mouth and Bad Breath

The build-up of waste products in your bloodstream can affect your sense of taste and lead to bad breath. Many people with kidney disease report a metallic taste in their mouths, which can make food less appealing.

What to look for:

• A persistent metallic taste, especially after eating.
• Bad breath, sometimes described as smelling like ammonia.
• Loss of appetite or aversion to foods, particularly meat.

8. Muscle Cramps and Twitches

Kidneys help to regulate the balance of minerals like calcium, potassium, and phosphorus in your blood. When this balance is disrupted, it can cause muscle cramps, twitches, or even spasms.

What to look for:

• Muscle cramps, particularly in the legs or feet.
• Muscle twitching or spasms, especially at night.
• Discomfort or pain in muscles that doesn’t go away with stretching.

9. Dry and Itchy Skin

When your kidneys are not working properly, waste can build up in your blood, causing dry and itchy skin. In advanced kidney disease, this can also be linked to a condition called uremic pruritus.

What to look for:

• Persistent itching, especially on your arms, legs, or back.
• Dry, flaky skin that isn’t relieved by moisturisers.
• Skin that becomes increasingly itchy at night.

10. Difficulty Thinking Clearly or Confusion

As toxins build up in your body due to kidney dysfunction, it can affect brain function, leading to problems with concentration, memory, or mental clarity.

What to look for:

• Difficulty concentrating or staying focused on tasks.
• Forgetting things easily or struggling to remember recent events.
• Feeling “foggy-headed” or confused for no clear reason.

Types of Kidney Disease

There are various types of kidney disease that can cause these symptoms, with chronic kidney disease (CKD) being the most common. CKD is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their function over time, often caused by high blood pressure or diabetes. Acute kidney injury (AKI), on the other hand, is a sudden loss of kidney function, which can be triggered by severe dehydration, infections, or a blockage in the urinary tract.

Other types include polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a genetic disorder where fluid-filled cysts form in the kidneys, and glomerulonephritis, an inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units, which can occur due to infections or autoimmune diseases.

When to Seek Help

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to see your GP as soon as possible. While these signs don’t necessarily mean you have kidney disease, they do warrant investigation. Simple tests, like a blood test to check your kidney function (measuring creatinine and eGFR) and a urine test to detect protein or blood in your urine, can help diagnose the condition early.

Conclusion

Kidney disease often progresses silently, with few symptoms until the later stages. By paying attention to changes in your body and seeking medical advice if you notice any persistent symptoms, you can catch the disease early and get the right treatment. Lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy diet, controlling blood pressure, staying hydrated, and managing underlying health conditions can help protect your kidneys and prevent further damage.

Your health is in your hands – be mindful of the signs, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional if you’re concerned about your kidneys.