If you’re referring to a headline like “17 Signs Your Kidneys Are Screaming for Help,” it’s worth knowing that many articles with titles like this exaggerate or oversimplify. Kidney disease often has no symptoms in its early stages, and the symptoms that do occur can have many other causes.
That said, signs that can be associated with kidney problems include:
- Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or around the eyes.
- Changes in urination (more or less frequent, especially at night).
- Foamy or bubbly urine (which may indicate protein in the urine).
- Blood in the urine.
- Persistent fatigue or weakness.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Loss of appetite.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Persistent itching.
- Muscle cramps, especially in the legs.
- Dry skin.
- Puffiness around the eyes.
- High blood pressure that’s difficult to control.
- Shortness of breath (from fluid buildup or anemia).
- Pain in the lower back or side (more common with kidney stones or infections than chronic kidney disease).
- Metallic taste in the mouth or bad breath.
- Unexplained weight loss or feeling generally unwell.
When to seek medical care
You should seek prompt medical attention if you have:
- Blood in your urine.
- Severe pain in your side or back with fever.
- Very little or no urine output.
- Sudden, significant swelling or shortness of breath.
Risk factors
You’re at higher risk for kidney disease if you have:
- Diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Heart disease.
- A family history of kidney disease.
- Age over 60.
How kidney disease is diagnosed
A healthcare provider typically uses:
- Blood tests (such as creatinine to estimate kidney function).
- A urine test to check for protein or blood.
- Blood pressure measurement.
- Sometimes imaging (such as an ultrasound).
If you have risk factors—even if you feel well—regular screening is important because early kidney disease is often silent. Early detection can help slow or prevent progression.