If you’ve noticed swelling in your feet, foamy urine, blood in your urine, or changes in how often you go to the bathroom, you may be wondering what is the first sign of kidney problems. These symptoms can be easy to ignore, but they may be early signs that your kidneys aren’t working as well as they should.
There isn’t always one single warning sign. For many people, the first signs of kidney problems include swelling, unusual fatigue, and changes in urination. Knowing what to watch for can help you get checked before kidney disease becomes more serious.
What Do Your Kidneys Do?
Your kidneys help keep your body in balance. They:
- Filter waste and extra fluid from your blood
- Turn that waste into urine
- Help control your blood pressure
- Help your body make red blood cells
- Support strong bones by balancing minerals and activating vitamin D
Because your kidneys do so many important jobs, kidney problems can affect many parts of your body. Knowing the early signs can help you get checked before the damage becomes more serious.
Early Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Problems
Swelling in Your Feet and Ankles
Healthy kidneys remove extra fluid from your body. When they aren’t working well, fluid can build up and cause swelling, especially in your feet, ankles, and legs.
Blood in Your Urine
Blood in the urine can make your urine look pink, red, or brown. This can happen when the kidneys’ filters are damaged.
Blood in the urine can also be caused by kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or other conditions.
Foamy Urine
Foamy urine may mean protein is leaking into your urine. This can happen when the kidneys’ filters are damaged.
A few bubbles are normal. But if your urine is consistently foamy, it’s worth getting checked.
Frequent Urination
Kidney problems can make you urinate more often, especially at night.
Frequent urination can also be caused by urinary tract infections, diabetes, or an enlarged prostate.
High Blood Pressure
Kidneys help regulate blood pressure. When they aren’t working properly, blood pressure may rise and become harder to control.
High blood pressure can also damage the kidneys over time.
Muscle Cramps and Tingling
Kidney problems can affect your body’s mineral balance. This may lead to muscle cramps, twitching, tingling, or numbness.
Puffy Eyes, Dry Skin, and Other Changes
Protein loss in the urine can cause puffiness around the eyes.
As kidney disease progresses, dry and itchy skin may also develop.
Fatigue and Weakness
Kidneys make a hormone that helps your body produce red blood cells. When kidney function declines, you may develop anemia, which can make you feel tired and weak.
Shortness of Breath, Nausea, and Poor Appetite
Kidney problems can cause fluid buildup and anemia, which may lead to shortness of breath.
Waste buildup can also cause nausea, vomiting, and a reduced appetite.
Trouble Focusing
When waste builds up in the body, you may feel tired, foggy, or have trouble concentrating.
Who Is More Likely to Develop Kidney Problems?
Some people have a higher risk of kidney disease, including those with:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- A family history of kidney disease
- Kidney stones or other urinary problems
- Smoking or excess weight
- Long-term use of medications such as ibuprofen or lithium
Risk also increases with age.
Many kidney problems don’t cause symptoms at first. That’s why regular checkups and blood and urine tests are so important, especially if you have risk factors for kidney disease.
What Is the First Sign of Kidney Problems? Know When to Get Checked
There isn’t always one clear answer to the question, “What is the first sign of kidney problems?” Early warning signs often include swelling, foamy urine, blood in the urine, fatigue, and frequent urination.
Kidney disease can develop without noticeable symptoms, so it’s important to pay attention to changes that don’t go away. If you’ve noticed these symptoms, getting checked can help identify kidney problems early. If your symptoms are related to kidney stones, a UTI, or other lower urinary tract issues, a urologist is the best doctor to help you.
If you’re in Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, or Conway, call 843.347.2450 to schedule an appointment and start feeling like yourself again.