Warning Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Detecting chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be tricky because the signs and symptoms of kidney disease occur late after the condition has progressed, and kidney damage has occurred.  CKD is sometimes known as a silent condition because it’s hard to detect, and most people with early-stage CKD are unaware of it.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Disease
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

Understanding chronic kidney disease and its symptoms
While watching for late-stage symptoms will not help with early detection, being aware of the signs is still essential.  Remember, do not wait for symptoms before you take action.  If at risk for CKD, especially if you have high blood pressure or diabetes, get screened at least annually for any evidence of kidney disease and to learn your glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).  Your physician can give you a blood test that will measure your creatinine levels and determine your level of kidney function.  The sooner CKD is detected, the greater the benefit of early treatment.


Consult your doctor immediately if you notice any of these potential CKD signs and symptoms:

• Abnormal phosphorus, calcium, or vitamin D levels - impaired kidney function can cause electrolyte imbalances, such as low calcium levels or high phosphorus, leading to muscle cramping.
• Abnormal urine test - high amounts of protein in the urine, called protein urea, can be a sign of kidney disease.  Healthy kidneys filter out waste and fluid, letting protein return to the blood.  When the kidneys do not function correctly, protein leaks into your urine.
• Changes in urination - healthy kidneys help filter blood to create urine.  When the kidneys do not function well, urination issues may occur, such as urinating more often or seeing blood in your urine.  You may also experience foamy or bubbly urine, an early sign of protein getting into your urine due to damaged kidneys.
• Decreased appetite - a buildup of toxins due to impaired kidney function may cause you to lose your appetite, whether because you feel full or too sick or tired to eat.
• Fatigue - reduced kidney function may lead to a buildup of toxins in the blood that causes you to lack energy or feel overwhelmingly tired.  CKD may also cause anemia, making you feel tired or weak due to too few red blood cells.
• High blood pressure - excess fluid and sodium buildup due to kidney disease can cause high blood pressure.  High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the kidneys and worsen kidney disease over time.
• Itching - dry and itchy skin may indicate an imbalance of minerals and nutrients in your blood due to kidney disease.  High blood levels of phosphorus often cause itching.
• Pain in the small of your back - you may experience localized pain near your kidneys that does not change or worsens when you move or stretch.  The kidneys are located on either side of your spine in your lower back, and kidney problems can cause pain in this area.  Back pain may also be due to an infection or blockage of the kidneys, which can lead to kidney damage.
• Puffiness around your eyes - protein leaking into your urine due to kidney damage can cause persistent puffiness around the eyes, an early sign of kidney disease.
• Shortness of breath - extra fluid can build up in your lungs when your kidneys are not removing enough liquid, which may cause you to be short of breath.  CKD-induced anemia, a shortage of oxygen-carrying red blood cells, may also cause breathlessness.
• Swelling in your hands, legs, or feet - when your kidneys are not removing excess fluid and sodium from your body, swelling (edema) may occur in your feet or lower extremities.

 
How do CKD symptoms progress?
Symptoms of CKD develop slowly over time.  Many people in the earlier stages (1 and 2) of kidney disease do not experience symptoms and may require testing to receive a diagnosis.  You are more likely to experience symptoms in the later or end stages of kidney disease (stages 3, 4, and 5).
 
Diabetes and high blood pressure
Diabetes and high blood pressure (hypertension) are the top two causes of chronic kidney disease.  If you have a health diagnosis such as high blood pressure or diabetes, it is essential that you take control of your health and begin monitoring these conditions closely.  When these other conditions progress or are not treated properly, your kidneys must work harder and risk more damage over time.  Regular check-ups that include blood and urine tests are critical to monitor your kidney health.  Take the time to learn from your doctor how to best care for your health, manage your medications, and eat well.
 
Are symptoms of kidney disease different in men and women?
Although both may experience the same symptoms, CKD may progress differently in men and women.  Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney infections are more common in women, which may cause kidney disease to develop.  Women generally have a greater risk for CKD, whereas men may progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or kidney failure faster.  Both men and women can lower their risk of kidney disease by maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar, and living a healthy lifestyle.
 
 
UNDERSTANDING ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY
If symptoms appear suddenly or all at once, it may be a sign of acute kidney injury (AKI), also known as acute kidney failure.