Kidney disease often develops quietly. By the time symptoms appear, damage may already be underway. Here are early signs that are easy to missābut important to catch.
7 Common Warning Signs of Kidney Disease
š 1. Constant Fatigue
If youāre feeling drained all the time, it could be more than just age or stress. Your kidneys may not be filtering waste properly.
š§ 2. Swelling in Ankles or Hands
Fluid retention is a red flagāespecially if itās new or worsening. This can be an early sign of reduced kidney function.
š° 3. Changes in Urination
Foamy, dark, or frequent urination (especially at night) could signal kidney stress.
š§ 4. Metallic Taste or Bad Breath
Toxin buildup from poor filtration can lead to a strange taste in the mouth or persistent bad breath.
š„¶ 5. Feeling Cold All the Time
Anemia caused by kidney dysfunction can lead to feeling cold, even in warm environments.
š„ 6. Muscle Cramps or Twitching
Electrolyte imbalancesāoften linked to kidney troubleāmay trigger sudden cramps or spasms.
š§ 7. Trouble Concentrating
Brain fog or confusion can happen when waste builds up in the bloodstream.