Your kidneys work continuously to remove waste products and excess fluid from your blood. They also help control blood pressure, maintain mineral balance and support the production of red blood cells. Kidney disease can develop gradually, and some people do not notice symptoms until the condition has become advanced.
1. Swelling around the feet and ankles: When the kidneys cannot remove excess fluid properly, swelling may develop around the feet, ankles, hands or face. Heart and liver conditions can also cause swelling.
2. Changes in urination: You may notice changes in how often you urinate, how much urine you pass or whether you need to urinate more often at night.
3. Persistent tiredness: Damaged kidneys may produce less of a hormone that helps the body make red blood cells. This can contribute to anaemia, leaving someone weak or unusually tired.
4. Foamy urine: Persistent foamy urine may sometimes indicate protein leaking into the urine. It is not proof of kidney disease, but a urine test can help investigate it.
5. Poor appetite and nausea: As kidney function becomes seriously reduced, waste products can build up in the blood. This may cause nausea, vomiting, reduced appetite or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
6. Itching and muscle cramps: Some people with advanced kidney disease experience persistent itching, muscle cramps or discomfort caused by changes in mineral and waste levels.
Final thoughts: Kidney disease is not always painful, and the absence of pain does not mean the kidneys are healthy. Blood tests measuring kidney function and urine tests checking for protein can help identify problems. People with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease should discuss screening with a healthcare professional. Avoid unverified herbal mixtures and frequent use of painkillers without medical advice, as some substances can harm the kidneys.
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