An estimated 35.5 million U.S. adults are living with kidney disease right now—yet most have no idea they have it. Kidney problems often develop quietly, and many early symptoms feel minor or easy to blame on stress, aging, or other health issues.
Dr. Joseph Vassalotti, Chief Medical Officer at the NKF, explains that kidney disease usually doesn’t cause symptoms until it’s in the later stages, when kidney function is already declining or when large amounts of protein leak into the urine. This is why only about 10% of people with chronic kidney disease actually know they’re affected.
While testing is the only sure way to confirm kidney disease, knowing the warning signs can help you catch it early.
Kidney Disease Risk Factors
Some people are at a higher risk of developing kidney disease. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, your kidneys work harder every day, which increases the risk of long-term damage. A family history of kidney failure also raises your chances, as does being over age 60, since kidney function naturally declines with age.
If you fall into one of these groups, getting an annual kidney check is especially important. Regular testing helps detect issues before they turn serious and gives you a chance to take action early.
Kidney Disease Testing
Two simple tests can reveal vital information about your kidney health:
Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR):
A blood test that estimates how effectively your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood. Lower numbers mean the kidneys aren’t working as well as they should.
Urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR):
A urine test that checks for albumin (a type of protein) and creatinine (a waste product). High levels of albumin can signal early kidney damage, even before symptoms appear.
Both tests are quick, easy, and can provide powerful early clues. If you’re at risk, these tests can be the first step toward protecting your kidneys long-term.
10 Signs of Kidney Disease
1. Less energy or trouble concentrating
A major drop in kidney function causes toxins and waste products to build up in your bloodstream. When that happens, you may feel unusually tired, weak, or mentally foggy. Even everyday tasks might start to feel harder. Kidney disease can also lead to anemia, which means your body has fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen. This adds to the fatigue and can make concentration even more challenging.
2. Trouble sleeping
Properly functioning kidneys help clear toxins that naturally accumulate in the body. When they’re not working well, these toxins stay in the blood instead of being removed through urine. This buildup can make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. Many people with kidney disease also experience sleep apnea, which is more common in those with obesity—a condition linked to chronic kidney issues.
3. Dry and itchy skin
Healthy kidneys help balance minerals, maintain bone strength, and produce red blood cells. When kidney disease progresses, the body can lose its ability to regulate minerals and nutrients. This imbalance often leads to dry, irritated, or itchy skin. The discomfort may be continuous or come and go, and it’s especially common as kidney disease reaches more advanced stages.
4. Urinating more frequently
A frequent urge to urinate, especially at night, can be a sign that the kidney filters are damaged. When this happens, the kidneys may produce more urine than usual. While increased urination can point to kidney disease, it can also be caused by other issues like urinary tract infections or an enlarged prostate in men. If the change is noticeable or persistent, it’s important to get it checked.
5. Blood in the urine
Healthy kidneys keep blood cells inside the body while filtering out waste. But when the kidneys’ filtering units get damaged, blood cells can leak into the urine, causing it to appear pink, red, or cola-colored. In addition to kidney disease, blood in the urine may signal kidney stones, infections, or tumors. No matter the cause, it should always be evaluated by a medical professional.
6. Foamy urine
If your urine looks unusually bubbly or foamy—similar to the foam that appears when cooking scrambled eggs—it could be a sign of protein in the urine. Protein, especially albumin, creates bubbles that take several flushes to disappear. Foamy urine is one of the clearer signs that the kidneys are struggling to keep protein inside the body where it belongs.
7. Persistent puffiness around the eyes
Swelling or puffiness around the eyes often suggests that the kidneys are losing protein into the urine instead of keeping it in the bloodstream. The area around the eyes may look swollen even if you feel well otherwise. This early swelling can occur even before more noticeable changes, like leg swelling, develop.
8. Swollen ankles and feet
When kidney function declines, the body may start retaining more sodium, which leads to swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet. While this swelling can be related to kidney issues, it may also be tied to heart disease, liver problems, or vein conditions. If your lower legs regularly feel swollen or heavy, it’s important not to overlook the possibility of kidney involvement.
9. Poor appetite
A reduced appetite can have many causes, but one of them is kidney disease. When waste products build up in the blood, food may seem less appealing or even cause nausea. You may notice you’re eating less without knowing why. Over time, this can contribute to unintentional weight loss and lower energy levels.
10. Muscle cramping
Kidneys help balance electrolytes, which are essential for muscle function. When kidney function drops, minerals like calcium and phosphorus can fall out of balance. These disruptions may trigger muscle cramps, especially in the legs. Cramping can range from mild to severe and may happen during the day or at night.
This content is provided for informational use only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for the medical advice of a healthcare professional.
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