Kidney issues often develop quietly, without obvious symptoms. But your body may be trying to warn you, if you know what to look for.
Here are some signs that your kidneys might not be functioning properly.
You're always tired
When your kidneys aren't working right, toxins can build up in your bloodstream, making you feel weak and drained.
Kidneys also produce a hormone that tells your body to make red blood cells. Without enough of these, your brain and muscles don’t get the oxygen they need, leaving you fatigued and unfocused.
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You sleep poorly
Studies have found a possible link between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea lowers your oxygen levels, which can damage the kidneys.
On the flip side, damaged kidneys can also lead to sleep issues, including apnea, due to fluid buildup and narrowed airways.
You have itchy skin
A buildup of waste in the blood due to poor kidney function can lead to widespread itching and rashes.
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Kidney disease can also disrupt the balance of minerals and nutrients in your body, resulting in dry, irritated skin and even mineral and bone disorders.
Your face and feet are swollen
If your kidneys can't eliminate sodium effectively, fluid can accumulate, causing swelling. This is often most noticeable in the ankles, feet, hands, and even around the eyes.
Puffy eyes can be a sign that protein is leaking into your urine, a classic indicator of kidney trouble.
You experience muscle cramps
Muscle cramps, especially in the legs, can signal that your kidneys are failing to regulate electrolyte levels like calcium, sodium, and potassium.
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This disruption can interfere with muscle and nerve function, leading to painful spasms.
You feel short of breath
Kidney disease can reduce the production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.
Low red blood cell count (anemia) can result in a lack of oxygen, causing breathlessness.
Fluid buildup in the lungs can also make it feel hard to breathe, especially when lying down.
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You feel mentally foggy
When waste builds up in the blood due to impaired kidney function, it can affect your brain.
Anemia caused by kidney disease may also reduce oxygen flow to your brain. You might feel dizzy, struggle with focus and memory, or even feel too confused to handle simple tasks.
You’ve lost your appetite
Kidney issues can upset your stomach and cause nausea or vomiting, making you less interested in eating.
This lack of appetite can sometimes result in unintentional weight loss, even when you're not actively trying to lose weight.
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Your breath smells bad
When your kidneys can't filter waste properly, you may develop uremia - a buildup of toxins in the blood.
This can lead to bad breath and a metallic or off taste in your mouth, often making food less appealing and reducing your desire to eat.
Your urine looks unusual
Foamy urine can indicate high levels of protein, which may suggest kidney damage.
Urine that’s unusually dark, pale, or contains blood could also point to kidney issues. Blood in the urine may result from kidney stones, infection, or even tumors.
This article is based on information from WebMD.