Your kidneys perform essential work every day. They filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, help regulate blood pressure, maintain mineral balance, and support red blood cell production.
One of the biggest challenges with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is that it can develop quietly. Most people with early CKD have no noticeable symptoms, and some don’t experience symptoms until kidney disease becomes advanced.
Still, certain changes can sometimes occur and deserve attention—especially in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure.
Foamy Urine
Occasional bubbles in urine are usually not concerning. But urine that repeatedly looks unusually foamy may sometimes indicate protein in the urine, also called proteinuria.
Healthy kidneys normally keep important proteins such as albumin in the bloodstream. When kidney filters become damaged, albumin can leak into the urine.
A urine test is needed to determine whether proteinis actually
present.
Swelling in Your Feet and Ankles
Your kidneys help remove excess sodium and fluid from your body.
When kidney function becomes impaired, fluid can accumulate in tissues and cause swelling, known as edema. It is often noticeable around the feet, ankles and legs.
However, swollen legs can also result from heart disease, liver problems, vein disorders, medications and prolonged sitting or standing.
Persistent Fatigue
Feeling unusually tired can occur when kidney disease becomes more advanced.
Reduced kidney function can allow waste products to accumulate in the blood. Kidney disease can also contribute to anemia, which may cause fatigue, weakness and difficulty concentrating.
Fatigue is extremely common and has many other causes, so it shouldn’t be considered proof of kidney disease.
Changes in How Often You Urinate
Some people with kidney disease experience changes in urination, including needing to urinate more frequently—sometimes particularly during the
night.
But frequent nighttime urination
can also be caused by diabetes, prostate enlargement, bladder problems, medications or simply drinking a lot before bedtime.
Persistent unexplained changes are worth discussing with a healthcare professional.
Puffiness Around the Eyes
Persistent puffiness around the eyes can sometimes be associated with protein leaking into the urine.
When kidney filters become damaged, significant protein loss may contribute to fluid moving into surrounding tissues.
However, allergies, sleep problems and other common conditions can also cause puffy eyes.
Dry or Itchy Skin
Persistent itching and dry skin can occur in people with more advanced kidney disease.
The kidneys help maintain the correct balance of minerals in the body. When kidney function becomes significantly impaired, changes in mineral balance and other complications can contribute to itching and skin problems.
Dry skin by itself is very common and usually doesn’t mean that someone has kidney disease.Poor Appetite or Nausea
As CKD becomes advanced,
kidney disease—but these symptoms have many other possible causes.
More importantly, someone can have early kidney disease while feeling completely normal.
If you have risk factors or persistent unexplained symptoms, blood and urine testing is much more reliable than trying to diagnose kidney disease from symptoms alone.
This article is for general informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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