An Introduction to the Kidneys and Chronic Kidney Disease
IV. Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease and Kidney Failure
The gradual loss of kidney function is often difficult to detect. Individuals may not even notice symptoms until they have lost more than half their kidney function. Early detection is important, however, since early treatment may help to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Some earlier signs that you may have a kidney problem include:
- high blood pressure
- blood and/or protein in the urine
- a creatinine blood test greater than 1.2 for women and 1.4 for men (Creatinine is a waste product removed from the blood by healthy kidneys. In kidney disease, creatinine levels in the blood may increase. Creatinine levels vary with age, race and body size.)
- a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 60 (GFR is a measure of how well your kidneys filter wasters from your blood. GFR may be estimated from your creatinine level.)
- more frequent urination, particularly at night
- difficult or painful urination
- puffiness around eyes, swelling of hands and feet.
The first symptom many people notice, or consult a doctor about, is a general feeling of fatigue or lack of energy. This is often caused by anemia, which is a typical result of chronic kidney disease. However, tiredness alone is not necessarily a sign of kidney problems. It could indicate other conditions, and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Later signs and symptoms that may indicate you will need to start treatment for kidney failure soon include:
- nausea and vomiting
- poor appetite
- hiccups
- weight loss
- abnormal bleeding
- trouble sleeping
- itching
- cramping at night
- swelling
- trouble breathing
See your doctor if you have symptoms of chronic kidney disease.
Not everyone with chronic kidney disease experiences all of these symptoms. You may have just a few, and they may come and go without warning. Many of the symptoms may eventually disappear with proper medical treatment. But any symptoms you do experience should be checked by a doctor - and the sooner, the better!
