Your kidneys play an essential role when it comes to keeping you healthy, filtering waste products out of your body and promoting the growth of healthy red blood cells. Unfortunately, despite how important healthy kidneys are to your overall well-being, the signs of kidney problems are often so subtle that many people don't realize there's an issue with these vital organs until it's too late. If you want to stay healthy, read on to discover the symptoms of kidney problems you can't afford to ignore. And for more ways to safeguard your health, make sure you know the 20 Most Commonly Overlooked Cancer Symptoms, According to Doctors.
1
Pain under your ribs
While many associate kidney problems with lower back pain, it's actually pain near your rib cage that's more likely to indicate a kidney problem. "Your kidneys are actually higher than you think and anatomically positioned beneath your ribs," explains Jennifer Linehan, MD, urologist and associate professor of urologic oncology at the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
2
Side pain
Kidney stones, which are hard deposits of salt and minerals that form inside the kidney, can be extremely painful when they pass through the ureter and bladder. The Mayo Clinic says that you'll know the pain you're experiencing is from kidney stones when it's in your side and comes in waves. If your pain is caused by kidney stones in particular, "the pain can be very severe and usually changing position does help or hurt," says Linehan. And for more pains to pay attention to, check out 25 Common Pains You Should Never Ignore.
3
Nausea
When a kidney stone moves from your kidney to your ureter, it can block the passing of urine. When this happens, you may experience "swelling and pain, which can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting," says S. Adam Ramin, MD, a urologic surgeon and medical director of Urology Cancer Specialists in Los Angeles.
4
Blood in your urine
If you notice blood in your urine or you notice it looks even a little bit red or brown, it's important that you get to a doctor before any potential problems get worse. "Blood in your urine may indicate kidney stones, a tumor, a kidney or bladder infection, or irritation anywhere in the urinary system," explains Leann Poston, MD, of Invigor Medical. And for more signals of serious health issues, check out 30 Warning Signs Your Heart Is Trying to Send You.
5
A metallic taste in your mouth
When your kidneys stop adequately filtering toxins from your blood, waste products often show up in unexpected places, including some surprising symptoms north of the neck. In fact, "if these wastes build up in the blood, it may… make food taste like metal," explains Poston.
6
Bad breath
Similarly, Jennifer Schau, DDS, notes on her website that when your kidneys are unable to filter out the excess urea in your bloodstream, you may notice a "foul odor" being emitted from your mouth—in other words, you have bad breath. And for more about your oral hygiene, check out23 Things You're Doing That Would Horrify Your Dentist.
7
Gum disease
A metallic taste and bad breath aren't the only ways in which kidney disease can manifest in your mouth. According to Schau, kidney issues can also cause gum disease, "leading to the decay and loss of teeth." A 2013 meta-analysis published in the Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences found that patients with chronic kidney disease are far more likely to have periodontal disease, as well as other issues like overgrown gums and dry mouth, than those without serious kidney problems.
8
Swollen hands and feet
Since the kidneys are responsible for filtering excess water from the body, when they aren't performing this function properly, that excess fluid can redistribute, particularly in your extremities.
"Swelling of your legs, ankles, and feet may be a sign that the kidney is not removing excess fluids or sodium from the body," says Poston. "When the kidneys leak too much protein into the urine, swelling may result."
9
Loss of appetite
If your favorite foods have suddenly lost all appeal, that could be a sign of serious kidney problems. While Ramin says that early stage kidney cancer has few symptoms, when the disease is more advanced, "kidney cancer may cause sensation of fullness in the abdomen [and] loss of appetite." And if you're noticing you can't keep weight on, check out 11 Subtle Signs Your Rapid Weight Loss Is Something Serious.
10
Constipation
According to oncologist Przemyslaw Twardowski, MD, kidney cancer can also cause "disturbances in body chemistry"—namely, an overabundance of calcium in the bloodstream, which can lead to constipation. If you're experiencing this issue and think it's a sign of a bigger problem, talk to your primary care provider about having your calcium levels checked.
11
Fever
That high fever you've been battling may be more than just a symptom of a cold or flu coming on. "Infection of the kidneys usually cause flank pain and fevers," says Ramin. He says that someone with a kidney infection will usually see their temperature rise and fall instead of staying constant. Want to protect your liver, too? Discover these 20 Warning Signs of Liver Damage to Never Ignore.
12
Confusion
You might not associate your kidney function and your cognitive function, but if the former starts to decline, it may cause serious changes in your mental state. "Patients who develop sudden onset of kidney failure will have fluid retention and build up toxins in their blood such as urea nitrogen," explains Ramin. He says that sudden kidney failure can cause both "mental fogginess or confusion," so if tests have ruled out a neurological issue, ask your doctor for an assessment of your kidney health, too.
13
Anemia
Your recent anemia diagnosis may not just be a sign that you could use some more iron-rich foods in your diet. Ramin says that in rare cases, it can be the result of kidney problems. "If blood testing shows anemia and/or if the urine is visibly clear, but under microscopic exam, blood is found in the urine, then a CT Scan is the best test to confirm presence of renal fracture," Ramin explains.
14
Dizziness
Feeling suddenly unsteady on your feet? It could be your kidneys telling you to get to the doctor. "Dizziness and loss of concentration can result from anemia brought on by kidney failure," according to Dr. Lam Coaching, a team of licensed physicians specializing in adrenal fatigue syndrome. They explain that anemia reduces the amount of blood and oxygen going to your brain, causing that woozy feeling.
15
High blood pressure
Those off-the-charts blood pressure readings might be a sign that your kidneys aren't functioning at optimal levels. "Even though a person with kidney disease may have no symptoms and only discover their condition through bloodwork, there are some symptoms that definitely point to this condition," including difficulty controlling high blood pressure, according to Dr. Lam Coaching.
16
Fatigue
While the early stages of kidney disease may present with few symptoms, "fatigue is an often-experienced symptom of kidney disease, especially in the later stages," write the experts at Dr. Lam Coaching.
This is often the result of lower red blood cell production associated with kidney health issues, which leads to inadequate blood and oxygen supply throughout the body. "A reduced amount of oxygen to the cells leads to feelings of fatigue," according to Dr. Lam Coaching.
17
Itchy skin
That dry, itchy skin isn't necessarily a sign you need to be more diligent about your moisturizing routine. "When kidneys fail, there is a build-up of waste in your blood, called uremia, that is known to cause your skin to become very itchy," explains Alain Michon, MD, medical director at Ottawa Skin Clinic. In fact, a 2015 paper published in Seminars in Nephrology notes that up to 40 percent of patients with end-stage kidney disease develop pruritus, or chronic itching.
18
High blood sugar
According to the National Kidney Foundation, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, accounting for 44 percent of new cases. Due to the toll diabetes takes on the kidneys as a result of the damage it does to the body's red blood cells, diabetics are also at risk of developing diabetic kidney disease, a condition that further reduces kidney function.
19
Chronic nosebleeds
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a disease characterized by swelling of the blood vessels in the kidneys, nose, sinuses, throat, or lungs. According to the American Kidney Fund, the first sign of this condition is usually a runny nose or frequent nosebleeds. Though GPA doesn't always affect the kidneys, any case that does can lead to chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure, so it's important to speak to a doctor if nosebleeds become a regular occurrence.
20
Frequent urination
If you find yourself heading to the restroom with increased frequency, it could be a sign that something is up with your kidneys. "If the kidney filters are damaged, it can cause an urge to urinate, especially at night," says Renee Matthews, MD. Considering that frequent urination is also associated with health issues like diabetes and urinary tract infections, this symptom definitely merits a trip to the doctor.
21
Foamy urine
Often when kidney function is impaired, your "urine has bubbles that won't go away when you flush the toilet," says Matthews. "This foam is similar to the foam you see when scrambling eggs because the protein found in urine is albumin, which is the same protein that is found in eggs."
22
Swelling around your eyes
According to the Mayo Clinic, kidney disease can create "extra fluid and sodium in your circulation," which often leads to swelling around the eyes. In the case of nephrotic syndrome, in which too much protein is secreted through the urine, swelling also occurs due to lower levels of albumin in the blood.
23
Inability to eat meat and dairy
Interestingly enough, advanced kidney disease can make protein-rich foods like meat and dairy taste absolutely terrible. According to the Kidney & Urology Foundation of America, that's because these foods break down into nitrogen and creatinine, waste products that unhealthy kidneys are unable to filter out of the bloodstream.
24
Unintentional weight loss
Weight loss isn't always a good thing, especially if it's unintentional. If you're shedding pounds for no reason, it may be because your kidneys aren't functioning properly. After monitoring nearly 4,000 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for nearly six years, researchers behind a 2018 study published in the Official Journal of the National Kidney Foundation found that "significant weight loss [begins] relatively early during the course of CKD."
25
Shortness of breath
When your kidneys aren't properly filtering and excreting waste products and fluid, the Urology Care Foundation notes that shortness of breath can occur, particularly if fluid has built up in your lungs.
FAQs
How do you know if your kidneys are giving you trouble? ›
- Decreased urine output, although occasionally urine output remains normal.
- Fluid retention, causing swelling in your legs, ankles or feet.
- Shortness of breath.
- Fatigue.
- Confusion.
- Nausea.
- Weakness.
- Irregular heartbeat.
- Back pain. One of the first noticeable signs you might have a kidney issue is having back pain. ...
- Side pain. ...
- Nausea. ...
- Frequent urination. ...
- Foamy urine. ...
- Blood in your urine. ...
- Constipation. ...
- Dizziness.
If you feel the need to urinate more often, especially at night, this can be a sign of kidney disease. When the kidneys filters are damaged, it can cause an increase in the urge to urinate. Sometimes this can also be a sign of a urinary infection or enlarged prostate in men. You see blood in your urine.
What are the 3 early warning signs of kidney disease? ›- Dizziness and Fatigue. One of the first possible signs of weakening kidneys is the experience of overall weakness in yourself and your overall health. ...
- Swelling (Edema) ...
- Changes in urination.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one possible cause of having an ammonia taste in your mouth, sometimes called “ammonia breath.” Some people describe ammonia breath as having a metallic taste, while others have reported that it smells similar to urine.
What does it feel like when something is wrong with your kidneys? ›Kidney pain often feels like a dull ache that gets worse if someone gently presses on that area. While it is more common to feel kidney pain on only one side, some health problems may affect both kidneys and cause pain on both sides of your back.
What is the first stage of kidney failure? ›In Stage 1 CKD, the damage to your kidneys is mild. Your kidneys are still working well, but you may have signs of kidney damage or physical damage to your kidneys. Stage 1 CKD means you have a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 90 or greater, but there is protein in your urine (i.e., your pee).
Where do you itch with kidney disease? ›Itching with kidney disease can be generalized, or it can occur in specific parts of the body. Common areas for this type of itching include the head, arms, back, and abdomen. It also tends to be worse at night, which can disturb your sleep.
What does kidney rash look like? ›One rash that occurs in people who have end-stage kidney disease causes small, dome-shaped, and extremely itchy bumps. As these bumps clear, new ones can form. Sometimes, the small bumps join together to form rough, raised patches. Blisters.
How can I tell if my back pain is kidney related? ›- A constant, dull ache in your back.
- Pain in your sides, under your rib cage or in your abdomen.
- Severe or sharp pain that comes in waves.
- Pain that spreads to your groin area.
- Kidney pain is often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, especially if the pain is due to kidney stones.
What is the most accurate test for kidney function? ›
Urine tests
A 24-hour urine test shows how much urine your kidneys produce, can give an more accurate measurement of how well your kidney are working and how much protein leaks from the kidney into the urine in one day. Urinalysis: Includes microscopic examination of a urine sample as well as a dipstick test.
- Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)
- Abdominal pain and swelling.
- Swelling in the legs and ankles.
- Itchy skin.
- Dark urine color.
- Pale stool color.
- Chronic fatigue.
- Nausea or vomiting.
If your kidneys stop working completely, your body fills with extra water and waste products. This condition is called uremia. Your hands or feet may swell. You will feel tired and weak because your body needs clean blood to function properly.
How can I strengthen my kidneys? ›- Make healthy food choices. ...
- Make physical activity part of your routine. ...
- Aim for a healthy weight. ...
- Get enough sleep. ...
- Stop smoking. ...
- Limit alcohol intake link. ...
- Explore stress-reducing activities. ...
- Manage diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Kidney disease causes chemicals in urine to become concentrated and to cause a smell resembling ammonia. Kidney dysfunction can also cause high bacteria and protein levels in the urine, which will contribute to a foul ammonia smell.
How long does kidney failure last before death? ›Without life-sustaining dialysis or a kidney transplant, once a person with kidney disease reaches stage 5 (end stage renal disease or ESRD), toxins build up in the body and death usually comes within a few weeks.
Can kidney function affect bowel movements? ›Constipation is highly prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is primarily characterized by decreased intestinal motility. This chronic disorder affects the quality of life of patients.
What are the signs that you need dialysis? ›National Kidney Foundation guidelines recommend you start dialysis when your kidney function drops to 15% or less — or if you have severe symptoms caused by your kidney disease, such as: shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting.
How can I check my kidney at home? ›- Best blood sample test: LetsGetChecked Kidney Test.
- Best blood test for detailed results: Verisana Kidney Function Test.
- Best urine-based test: Healthy.io Minuteful Kidney.
- Best combination kit: Labcorp OnDemand Kidney Health Test Package.
When kidneys are failing, the increased concentration and accumulation of substances in urine lead to a darker color which may be brown, red or purple. The color change is due to abnormal protein or sugar, high levels of red and white blood cells, and high numbers of tube-shaped particles called cellular casts.
Where would it hurt for kidneys? ›
You might feel kidney pain or discomfort as a dull, one-sided ache in your upper abdomen, side or back. But pain in these areas is often unrelated to your kidneys. Your kidneys are situated in the back of your abdomen under your lower ribs, one on each side of your spine.
Why do you get kidney disease? ›Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Your health care provider will look at your health history and may do tests to find out why you have kidney disease. The cause of your kidney disease may affect the type of treatment you receive.
Why is my pee clear like water? ›Clear urine indicates that you're drinking more than the daily recommended amount of water. While being hydrated is a good thing, drinking too much water can rob your body of electrolytes.
At what stage of kidney disease is dialysis needed? ›Dialysis treatment is needed when your own kidneys can no longer take care of your body's needs. You need dialysis when you develop end stage kidney failure, usually by the time you lose about 85 to 90 percent of your kidney function and have a GFR of <15.
How does protein in urine look like? ›Foamy, frothy or bubbly urine.
Can kidneys heal? ›Often, treatment for acute kidney failure, especially if severe, requires hospitalization. If there aren't any other problems, the kidneys may heal themselves. In most other cases, acute kidney failure can be treated if it's caught early.
What does skin look like with kidney disease? ›You may notice a gray or yellow hue to your skin, areas of darkened skin, or an unhealthy pale tone. If you've had itchy skin for a long time and scratch often, you may also see yellowish, thick skin with bumps or cysts. Discolored nails—kidney disease can affect the look of your fingernails and toenails.
Does kidney disease affect your eyes? ›Common eye problems for people with kidney disease or who are on dialysis. Dry, red, and sore eyes that feel gritty. These symptoms may occur because of impaired blinking and tear formation, leading to dry eyes. Extra calcium and phosphate can also settle in the eyes and cause irritation.
Does kidney disease affect your nails? ›Nitrogen waste products build up in people with CKD, which can lead to damaged fingernails and toenails. Show your doctor if you have any abnormal change in your nails such as: Yellow or opaque coloring. Brittle nails.
Does kidney disease affect your hair? ›In patients with Chronic Kidney Disease, a reduced appetite, the build-up of toxins, mineral & vitamin deficiencies can result in thinning, brittle and falling hair. Hair loss is also an important symptom of severe CKD.
Can kidney problems make you gain weight? ›
When kidneys do not work well, they do not make enough urine to remove the extra fluid from the body, causing fluid weight gain.
What is dry kidney? ›This likely means that you were dehydrated which leads to a reduction in kidney function. Dehydration is reversible and should not cause permanent problems for your kidney function. My blood creatinine of 1.60 mg/dL, age 72, male, diabetic with HbA1c of 5.5%.
How can you tell the difference between muscle pain and kidney pain? ›In general, back pain will be related to your muscles, occurs lower in your back, and causes a consistent ache. If it's kidney pain, it'll likely be higher, near your ribs. You may feel waves of severe pain and possibly have a fever. The pain may also be stronger on one side.
Does lying down make kidney pain worse? ›Additionally, the kidney pain might get worse when lying down because of the pressure put on the infected kidneys. The symptoms of UTIs and kidney infections typically only get better with antibiotics. When left untreated, a kidney infection could lead to: High blood pressure.
Do kidneys hurt when dehydrated? ›Severe dehydration can eventually build up waste in your kidneys, causing pain. This is why it's important to drink an adequate amount of water for your age, weight, and level of physical activity. A person who doesn't drink enough fluids over time may become dehydrated and eventually experience kidney pain.
What vitamins are hard on kidneys? ›You may need to avoid some vitamins and minerals if you have kidney disease. Some of these include vitamins A, E and K. These vitamins are more likely to build up in your body and can cause harm if you have too much.
What is the creatinine level for stage 3 kidney disease? ›The ideal cutoff values for serum creatinine as a diagnostic test for stage 3 CKD varied by gender (Table 3). Among men ≥65 years, a serum creatinine value of ≥1.3 mg/dl indicated stage 3 CKD. Among women ≥65 years, a serum creatinine of ≥1.0 mg/dl indicated stage 3 CKD.
What foods can restore kidney function? ›- Blueberries. Blueberries and other dark berries like strawberries and raspberries are among the best sources of antioxidants to help protect your kidneys. ...
- Cauliflower. ...
- Olive Oil. ...
- Garlic. ...
- Bell Peppers. ...
- Cabbage. ...
- Skinless Chicken. ...
- Arugula.
- Best blood sample test: LetsGetChecked Kidney Test.
- Best blood test for detailed results: Verisana Kidney Function Test.
- Best urine-based test: Healthy.io Minuteful Kidney.
- Best combination kit: Labcorp OnDemand Kidney Health Test Package.
When kidneys are failing, the increased concentration and accumulation of substances in urine lead to a darker color which may be brown, red or purple. The color change is due to abnormal protein or sugar, high levels of red and white blood cells, and high numbers of tube-shaped particles called cellular casts.
What are the 5 stages of kidney failure? ›
- Stage 1 with normal or high GFR (GFR > 90 mL/min)
- Stage 2 Mild CKD (GFR = 60-89 mL/min)
- Stage 3A Moderate CKD (GFR = 45-59 mL/min)
- Stage 3B Moderate CKD (GFR = 30-44 mL/min)
- Stage 4 Severe CKD (GFR = 15-29 mL/min)
- Stage 5 End Stage CKD (GFR <15 mL/min)
In Stage 1 CKD, the damage to your kidneys is mild. Your kidneys are still working well, but you may have signs of kidney damage or physical damage to your kidneys. Stage 1 CKD means you have a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 90 or greater, but there is protein in your urine (i.e., your pee).
How do I clean my kidneys naturally? ›- Drink Water. Most people need to drink around two to three liters of water per day. ...
- Low Sodium Diet. ...
- Maintain Normal Blood Pressure. ...
- Maintain a Healthy Body Weight. ...
- Prevent Diabetes. ...
- Exercise. ...
- A Kidney Healthy Diet.
- A constant, dull ache in your back.
- Pain in your sides, under your rib cage or in your abdomen.
- Severe or sharp pain that comes in waves.
- Pain that spreads to your groin area.
- Kidney pain is often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, especially if the pain is due to kidney stones.
Clear urine is a sign of good hydration and a healthy urinary tract. However, if they consistently notice clear urine and also have extreme or unusual thirst, it is best to speak to a doctor.
Does clear pee mean kidney failure? ›An occasional clear pee isn't a big deal. But if it's an ongoing issue you may be lowering salt and electrolyte levels below what your body needs. What if your urine is clear and you're not knocking back glass after glass of water? That may signal an underlying kidney problem or diabetes.
Where do you itch with kidney disease? ›Itching with kidney disease can be generalized, or it can occur in specific parts of the body. Common areas for this type of itching include the head, arms, back, and abdomen. It also tends to be worse at night, which can disturb your sleep.
At what stage of kidney disease is dialysis needed? ›Dialysis treatment is needed when your own kidneys can no longer take care of your body's needs. You need dialysis when you develop end stage kidney failure, usually by the time you lose about 85 to 90 percent of your kidney function and have a GFR of <15.
What happens with untreated kidney failure? ›Your hands or feet may swell. You will feel tired and weak because your body needs clean blood to function properly. Untreated uremia may lead to seizures or coma and will ultimately result in death. If your kidneys stop working completely, you will need to undergo dialysis or kidney transplant.
How long can you live with chronic kidney failure? ›If you choose to start dialysis treatment, stage 5 kidney disease life expectancy is five to 10 years on average, though some patients have lived on dialysis for 20 years or more. If you have a kidney transplant, a living donor kidney can function for 12 to 20 years, and a deceased donor kidney for 8 to 12 years.
What are 3 common causes of chronic kidney disease? ›
- Diabetes. Too much glucose, also called sugar, in your blood damages your kidneys' filters. ...
- High blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the kidneys so they don't work as well. ...
- Other causes of kidney disease. Other causes of kidney disease include.
Foamy, frothy or bubbly urine.
What part of the body is kidney pain? ›You feel kidney pain in the area where your kidneys are located: Near the middle of your back, just under your ribcage, on each side of your spine. Your kidneys are part of the urinary tract, the organs that make urine (i.e., pee) and remove it from your body.