Kidney disease has many physical symptoms, but sometimes people attribute it to other illnesses. Additionally, people with kidney disease often don't experience symptoms until later stages, when the kidneys fail or there is a lot of protein in the urine. This is one reason why only 10% of people with chronic kidney disease know they have the disease.
While the only way to know for sure if you have kidney disease is to get tested, pay attention to these 10 possible signs if you may have kidney disease. If you are at risk for kidney disease due to high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of kidney failure, or if you are over 60 years old, it is important to get tested for kidney disease every year. Be sure to mention any symptoms you experience to your doctor.
6. Your urine is foamy. Excessive bubbles in the urine (especially those that take several flushes to disappear) indicate the presence of protein in the urine. This foam may look like the foam you see when you scramble eggs because albumin, a protein commonly found in urine, is the same protein found in eggs.
7. Persistent puffiness around your eyes. Protein in the urine is an early sign of damaged kidney filters, causing protein to leak into the urine. Puffiness around the eyes may be caused by the kidneys leaking large amounts of protein in the urine instead of retaining it in the body.
8. Your ankles and feet are swollen. Decreased kidney function can cause sodium retention, causing swelling in the feet and ankles. Swelling in the lower limbs can also be a sign of heart disease, liver disease, and chronic leg vein problems.
9. You have a bad appetite. This is a very common symptom, but a buildup of toxins due to decreased kidney function may be one cause.
10. Your muscles are cramping. Impaired kidney function may lead to electrolyte imbalances. For example, low calcium levels and poor phosphorus control may cause muscle cramps.