Kidney problems can cause a variety of symptoms, some of which are nonspecific and can be caused by other illnesses. Here are some signs of kidney problems:

• Changes in urination: Healthy kidneys help filter blood to create urine. When the kidneys don’t function well, urination issues may occur such as needing to urinate more often or seeing blood in your urine. You may also experience urine that’s foamy or bubbly, which could be an early sign that protein is getting into your urine due to damaged kidneys.

• Swelling: Decreased kidney function can lead to sodium retention, causing swelling in your feet and ankles. Swelling in the lower extremities can also be a sign of water retention (edema) .

• Fatigue: A severe decrease in kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood, causing people to feel tired, weak, and have trouble concentrating.

• Nausea and vomiting: Loss of kidney function can cause a buildup of fluid or body waste, leading to nausea and vomiting.

• Loss of appetite: Loss of kidney function can cause a buildup of fluid or body waste, leading to a loss of appetite.

• Muscle cramps: Impaired kidney function can cause electrolyte imbalances, such as low calcium levels or high phosphorus, that may lead to muscle cramping.

• Dry, itchy skin: Kidney problems can cause dry, itchy skin due to a buildup of waste products in the blood.

• Shortness of breath: Fluid buildup in the lungs can cause shortness of breath.

• Chest pain: Fluid buildup around the lining of the heart can cause chest pain.

• High blood pressure: Kidney problems can cause high blood pressure thats difficult to control.

Its important to note that many people with kidney disease will not have symptoms until the very late stages, when the kidneys are failing or when there are large amounts of protein in the urine. If you have persistent or worrying symptoms that you think could be caused by kidney disease, see a doctor.