If Your Kidneys Are Sending You These 10 Signals, They’re Probably in Trouble – Don’t Ignore Them
The kidneys are two small, bean-shaped organs located just below the ribs, but their job is gigantic: every day, they filter 120 to 150 liters* of blood, eliminate waste, regulate fluids and electrolytes, maintain blood pressure and even participate in the formation of red blood cells.
When a problem arises, the signs are subtle and can easily go unnoticed. Chronic kidney disease affects millions of people worldwide and often progresses “silently” until the damage becomes irreversible. The good news? Your body is warning you—if you know what to look for.
Below are 10 early signs that your kidneys may be at risk, along with tips on how to respond in time.
⚠️1. Constant fatigue and exhaustion
Do you go to bed early but wake up exhausted? When kidney function deteriorates, it produces less erythropoietin, the hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. This results in anemia and constant fatigue.
What to do?
Discuss the symptom with your GP and request creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) tests.
💧2. Swelling of the legs, ankles or feet
Impaired filtration traps excess fluid, which accumulates in tissues, most often in the lower limbs.
What to do?
Note the frequency of swelling and its reduction when you elevate your legs; share these observations with your doctor.
🩸3. Changes in urination
Your urine says a lot about the health of your kidneys. Pay attention to:
Sparkling/foamy urine – possible protein loss
Pink, brownish, or cola-colored urine – may contain blood
Frequent trips to the toilet at night
Burning or pain when urinating
What to do:
Have your urine tested for protein, red blood cells, and signs of infection.
🔥4. Dry, itchy skin or rashes
Waste buildup and mineral imbalances cause persistent itching and flaking—not just ordinary winter dryness, but a deeper signal of a problem.
What to do:
Ask your doctor if high levels of toxins in your blood could be related to kidney function.
🤢5. Nausea and loss of appetite
When waste is not filtered, it irritates the gastrointestinal tract, causing nausea, vomiting, and refusal to eat.
What to do?
Request blood tests to rule out renal origin.
🌬️6. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Retained fluid can enter the lungs and anemia reduces oxygen delivery, causing shortness of breath.
What to do:
If you experience sudden or progressive shortness of breath, seek medical help immediately.
🧠7. Confusion, “brain fog,” difficulty concentrating
Waste products in the blood affect the brain: memory weakens, concentration is lost, confusion and forgetfulness appear.
What to do?
Don’t ignore a sudden cognitive change; talk to your doctor, especially if it’s associated with other symptoms.
🧍♀️8. Muscle cramps and contractiont
Low levels of potassium, calcium, and sodium due to kidney dysfunction cause nighttime muscle cramps or twitching.
What to do?
Make sure you’re not dehydrated. If cramps persist, get blood tests.
🩺9. High blood pressure that is difficult to control
The kidneys regulate fluids and salts. When damaged, blood pressure increases, which is often not affected by medication.
What to do:
If high blood pressure persists, request a kidney function test.
🧊10. Constant feeling of cold
Anemia due to a lack of erythropoietin causes a feeling of coldness, even in a warm room.
What to do?
Get your hemoglobin and iron levels tested; check for anemia.
🩺Why early detection is crucial
Kidney disease is often called the “silent killer”: symptoms develop slowly and are attributed to age, stress, or diet. If detected early, it can:
be delayed or even stopped;
to prevent dialysis or transplantation;
reduce heart complications;
to improve your quality of life.
🧬Most common causes of kidney disease
Diabetes – high blood sugar damages kidney filters.
High blood pressure is one of the main causes of chronic kidney disease.
Autoimmune diseases – lupus, IgA nephropathy, etc. – attack kidney tissue.
Heredity – polycystic kidney disease and other genetic diseases.
Age and ethnicity – higher risk among older people, as well as in Black, Hispanic and Asian communities.
🛡️Prevention and control
Lifestyle changes
Maintain good hydration.
Eat a diet low in salt and fat.
Monitor your blood pressure and blood sugar.
Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, etc.).
Quit smoking and limit your alcohol consumption.
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
Regular check-ups
Calculation of blood creatinine and eGFR.
Albumin/creatinine ratio in urine.
Have your blood pressure measured at least once a year.
💬Conclusion: Listen to the quiet voice of your body
Our body whispers before it screams. Dry skin, restless legs, or unexplained fatigue may be these whispers.
If you’ve long attributed these signs to age or stress, stop and listen. Kidney disease isn’t always accompanied by acute pain, but often manifests itself discreetly, expressing itself through subtle changes.
So, the next time you experience something unusual, take it seriously, because your kidneys may be trying to tell you something important. The sooner you hear them, the easier it will be to protect them.
This article is provided for informational purposes only. Avoid self-medication and always consult a qualified healthcare professional before applying any information contained in this text. The editorial team does not guarantee any results and disclaims any liability for any damage resulting from its use.
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