Kidney health is essential for removing waste products from the blood, balancing fluids and maintaining the body’s mineral levels. These organs also help regulate blood pressure and support red blood cell production. Certain everyday habits and medical conditions can increase the risk of kidney damage over time, sometimes without obvious symptoms in the early stages. Speaking to HT Lifestyle, nephrologist Dr. Mohit Khairbat explained several warning signs people should take seriously. Although these symptoms can have causes unrelated to the kidneys, recognising persistent changes and seeking timely medical advice can help identify potential problems.
1. Changes in Urination
A noticeable change in urination can sometimes point to a kidney or urinary tract problem. You may find yourself passing urine more frequently, producing less urine than usual, noticing persistent foam or experiencing discomfort while urinating. Foamy urine can occasionally be associated with excess protein in the urine, although it may also occur for other reasons.
These changes do not automatically mean that the kidneys are damaged. Urinary infections, dehydration, diabetes and certain medicines can also affect urination. If the change persists, or you notice blood in your urine, arrange a medical assessment rather than trying to diagnose the cause yourself.
2. Persistent Fatigue and Weakness
Feeling exhausted despite getting enough rest can have several explanations, including anaemia, thyroid problems, poor sleep and kidney disease. Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, which signals the bone marrow to make red blood cells. When kidney function declines, production of this hormone may decrease, contributing to anaemia and reduced energy levels.
People with kidney disease may also feel weak because waste products can accumulate in the blood. If tiredness continues for weeks, affects everyday activities or occurs alongside other symptoms, consult a healthcare professional. Blood tests can help identify anaemia and assess kidney function.
3. Swelling Around the Feet, Ankles or Hands
The kidneys help regulate the body’s salt and water balance. When they cannot perform this function effectively, excess fluid may build up in tissues, leading to swelling around the ankles, feet, legs or hands. Swelling can sometimes become more noticeable after sitting or standing for long periods.
However, fluid retention can also be linked to heart conditions, liver disease, venous problems and certain medications. New or persistent swelling deserves medical attention, particularly when accompanied by changes in urination or sudden weight gain.
4. Puffiness Around the Eyes
Swelling around the eyes, especially in the morning, can sometimes occur when the kidneys allow too much protein to pass into the urine. Protein loss can affect fluid balance and contribute to puffiness in the tissues around the eyes.
Allergies, lack of sleep and other health conditions can cause similar changes, so appearance alone cannot establish the cause. If eye puffiness persists, returns frequently or occurs with swelling elsewhere, a doctor may recommend urine and blood tests to investigate further.
5. Shortness of Breath
Kidney problems can sometimes contribute to breathing difficulties. When the body retains excess fluid, it may accumulate in or around the lungs. Anaemia associated with reduced kidney function can also make it harder for the body to deliver oxygen efficiently, leaving a person breathless during everyday activities.
Shortness of breath has many possible causes, including heart and lung conditions. Sudden or severe breathing difficulty, particularly at rest or alongside chest pain, requires urgent medical attention. Do not wait for a routine kidney appointment if breathing becomes seriously difficult.
6. Dry Skin and Persistent Itching
Healthy kidneys help maintain the balance of minerals and remove waste products from the blood. In advanced kidney disease, changes in mineral balance and the accumulation of certain substances may contribute to dry skin and persistent itching.
Dryness and itching are also common with eczema, allergies, skin infections and environmental irritation. If symptoms continue despite basic skin care, spread across the body or occur alongside other possible signs of kidney disease, seek medical advice instead of assuming the kidneys are responsible.
7. Pain in the Back or Side
Pain in the back or side may sometimes be related to kidney stones, infection or another urinary tract problem. Kidney-related pain is often felt towards the side of the back, below the ribs, although its location and intensity can vary. Not all lower back pain originates in the kidneys; muscle strain and spinal problems are common causes too.
Severe pain, fever, vomiting, blood in the urine or difficulty passing urine should prompt urgent medical assessment. Recurrent or unexplained pain should also be investigated, particularly when other urinary symptoms are present.
When Should You Get Your Kidneys Checked?
Symptoms alone cannot confirm kidney disease, and early chronic kidney disease may cause no noticeable warning signs. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or a family history of kidney problems may benefit from regular screening as advised by their doctor. Common assessments include a blood test for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and a urine test for albumin, a type of protein.
Avoid taking unverified kidney detox supplements or herbal products without medical advice, as some may interact with medicines or cause harm. Staying physically active, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, avoiding unnecessary use of certain painkillers and following a balanced diet can support overall kidney health.