10 Signs You Have Kidney Disease

What Is the First Sign of Kidney Problems?

People often ask: What is the first sign of kidney problems? However, the first signs of kidney problems are often subtle and easy to ignore. Some of the common signs include:

• Changes in urination

• Foamy, bubbly, and dark coloured urine

• Puffiness in the face, hands, and feet

• Feeling unusually tired

• Loss of appetite and nausea

• Muscle cramps

• High blood pressure

Recognising the Early Signs of Kidney Problems

Signs of kidney problems develop over time if the kidney damage progresses slowly. Loss of kidney function can cause toxins and waste to build up in the blood. However, recognising early signs of kidney problems helps with early detection and early treatment.

1. Fatigue and Decreased Energy

Feeling weak is one of the signs of kidney problems due to decreased kidney function. Toxin and waste buildup in the blood can cause weakness and loss of concentration.

2. Difficulty Sleeping

When kidneys fail to perform effectively, toxins are absorbed in the blood rather than being excreted through urine. This may cause difficulty in sleeping. Obesity is an underlying cause of both kidney disease and obstructive sleep apnoea, which can lead to loss of sleep.

3. Dry and Itchy Skin

Healthy kidneys remove waste and toxins from the body, help with the production of red blood cells, enhance bone health, and help balance minerals and fluids in the body. Dry and itchy skin can be a sign of an imbalance of minerals and nutrients in the body.

4. Urge to Urinate More Often

When kidneys are damaged, toxins and waste are absorbed in the blood, and the urine contains mostly water with fewer waste products. This causes frequent urination, especially at night.

5. Blood in Urine

Blood in urine can be caused by several things, but it is one of the early signs of kidney problems. When kidneys are damaged, the red blood cells from the body leak into the urine, indicating damage to the kidney filters. If you see blood in your urine, consider it an early sign of kidney problems and consult an expert immediately.

Additional Signs of Advanced Kidney Disease

In addition to blood in urine, weakness, frequent urination, and dry and itchy skin, there are some additional body signs of kidney problems to look out for.

6. Persistent Puffiness Around Your Eyes

Persistent puffiness around the eyes can be seen as an early body sign of kidney problems. Toxin and waste buildup due to damaged kidneys can lead to buildup in the tissues. This leads to puffiness around the eyes.

7. Swelling in the Ankles and Feet

Persistent swelling in the ankles and feet can be another body sign of kidney problems. When kidneys fail to function efficiently, it causes swelling in the lower body, especially in the ankles and sometimes in the hands and feet.

8. Muscle Cramps

Occasional muscle cramps are normal due to sore body or excessive exercise, but when one experiences frequent muscle cramps, it can be an early sign of kidney problems. 

9. Poor Appetite

Poor appetite is the most common symptom of almost everything, from stress to chronic kidney disease. But, in the case of kidney problems, poor appetite can be due to the toxin buildup from failing kidneys.

10. High Blood Pressure

High BP can damage the kidneys, and damaged kidneys can raise your BP. If your BP is high for no reason, or if your medicines are not working like before, you should get your kidneys tested.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

Consult an expert if you see signs of kidney problems. Early detection increases the chances of recovery. If you have a medical condition that may increase the risk to your kidneys, your doctor may monitor your blood pressure and kidney function with urine and blood tests. At NephroPlus, patients can access advanced In-Clinic Dialysis facilities across India, ensuring safe, comfortable, and professional kidney care.

Conclusion

Our body always gives us signs before things get worse. Kidney problems usually start slowly; early signs of kidney problems include foamy urine, puffiness around the eyes, weakness and sleeplessness. Many people take these body signs of kidney problems to be something else and delay going to the doctor. But just a simple blood or urine test can determine your kidney function. 

Stay informed, stay healthy and consult your healthcare professional in case you notice any signs of kidney problems. Remember, early detection and early treatment can protect you from big health issues later. For those who need regular treatment, NephroPlus offers options such as Home Hemodialysis and In-Clinic Dialysis, providing flexibility, comfort, and expert care under medical supervision.

FAQs

What is the most common cause of kidney disease?

The most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure, which gradually damage kidney filters and reduce their ability to remove waste effectively.

Can kidney disease be reversed with early detection?

In its early stages, kidney disease progression can often be slowed or stabilised with proper treatment, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring, but complete reversal is uncommon.

What tests are used to diagnose kidney disease?

Kidney disease is diagnosed using blood tests for creatinine and eGFR, urine tests for protein, imaging studies and sometimes a biopsy for detailed tissue examination.

Are there any dietary changes that can help manage kidney disease?

Yes. Limiting salt, phosphorus, and protein intake, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, and controlling fluid consumption can help manage kidney disease effectively.