10 Early Signs That You May Have Kidney Disease

Your kidneys play essential roles in filtering waste and excess fluids from your blood, regulating your blood pressure, and balancing key minerals. Unfortunately, like any organ, kidneys can malfunction, and because kidney disease often begins slowly, its subtle symptoms can often be missed. 

At Nephrocare MD LLC, Chadi Saad, MD, and his team help patients manage kidney disease at every stage. In this post, learn 10 subtle signs that could mean it’s time to have your kidneys evaluated.

1. Fatigue and low energy levels

Your kidneys filter wastes and toxins out of your blood so they can be eliminated through your urine. If your kidneys aren't working correctly, those toxins and wastes build up in your blood, preventing oxygen from reaching your organs and tissues. This condition is called anemia, and it can lead to feelings of fatigue and low energy, along with problems with focusing and concentration.

2. Swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands

Your kidneys also remove excess fluids from your body, again eliminating them via urine. Even early kidney function can lead to a buildup of fluids, particularly in your extremities, like your hands, feet, and ankles. Swelling can also be related to other issues, like heart problems or liver disease, so it should never be ignored.

3. Changes in frequency of urination

Since your kidneys play an essential role in urination, it shouldn’t be surprising that even mild kidney problems can cause a marked change in your urination habits. Many people notice a need to urinate more frequently, even in the earliest stage of kidney disease. Others may find they urinate less often. 

4. Discolored or foamy urine

During the filtering process, your kidneys separate toxins and wastes from your blood, returning “clean” blood to circulation. When the filtering process is disrupted, blood can leak into your urine, making it look brownish or dark. Kidney problems can also lead to foamy urine if proteins are filtered out instead of being returned to your blood.

5. Itchy skin

A buildup of toxins and waste products in your blood can irritate your skin, too. If you have persistently itchy skin or skin that’s unusually dry or irritated, it could be an early sign of kidney problems.

6. Muscle cramps

Impaired kidney function can disrupt your body’s ability to regulate minerals called electrolytes. These minerals support normal muscle function. Electrolyte imbalances can lead to muscle cramps, especially in the legs. Cramping can range from mild to severe, even interfering with sleep.

7. Persistent puffiness around the eyes

If you routinely wake up with puffy eyes, it could also be a sign of kidney problems. Puffiness happens when your kidneys don’t remove fluid effectively, and protein leaves your body via your urine. In addition to your eyes, you might notice a general puffiness in other areas of your face.

8. Poor appetite

Waste buildup in your blood can negatively affect your appetite. Some people with kidney problems find food tastes or smells “off,” or they simply may not feel as hungry as they normally do. Over time, this can lead to unintentional weight loss and nutrient deficiencies.

9. Nausea and vomiting

In addition to reduced appetite, increasing levels of toxins and wastes in your blood can cause nausea and vomiting. Combined with a decreased appetite, vomiting can lead to weight loss and dehydration, causing additional kidney strain.

10. Sleep troubles

Finally, even mild kidney troubles can cause changes in your sleep. Muscle cramps and restless leg syndrome can interfere with falling asleep, and frequent urges to urinate may disrupt sleep during the night, contributing to feelings of fatigue. 

Don’t ignore your symptoms

Kidney problems need prompt medical treatment — even a minor delay in care increases your risk of permanent kidney damage and kidney failure. The good news: Caught early, most kidney issues can be treated with a combination of medication and lifestyle changes to support better kidney health.

To learn what’s causing your symptoms or to have your kidney function evaluated, request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Saad and our Nephrocare MD LLC team in Dearborn, Michigan, today.