What Are the Symptoms of Kidney Disease? Early Signs & When to See a Doctor

Kidney disease often develops quietly, without clear symptoms in the early stages. Many people do not realise something is wrong until the damage has already started affecting their health.

If you feel tired all the time, notice changes in urination, or find your legs, hands, or face swelling without reason, your body may be warning you. These can be early symptoms of kidney disease that should not be ignored.

This guide will walk you through the warning signs, explain where kidney pain occurs, and help you learn more about kidney pain.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease affects how your body filters waste and excess fluids. In the early stages, many people may not feel sick at all. However, as the disease progresses, several symptoms may appear and signal that something is wrong.

One of the most common signs is swelling, especially in the feet, ankles, hands, or face. This happens because the kidneys are not removing extra fluid from the body properly. You may also notice that you are urinating more or less than usual, or that your urine looks foamy or bloody.

Tiredness and weakness are also common. When the kidneys stop working well, waste builds up in the blood. This can lead to feeling low in energy, having trouble focusing or even facing shortness of breath.

These are often seen as symptoms of chronic kidney disease, especially in people whose kidney function continues to decline over time.

Another warning sign is a poor appetite or a metallic taste in the mouth. As toxins build up, they can affect your digestion and taste.

Early Symptoms of Kidney Disease: What to Watch For

• Feeling tired or low on energy without a clear reason
  
  
• Urinating more or less often than usual, especially at night
  
  
• Swelling in the feet, ankles, or hands, even if mild
  
  
• Dry, itchy skin that doesn’t go away
  
  
• Loss of appetite or feeling nauseous without a cause
  
  
• Trouble focusing or thinking clearly

Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Men vs. Women

Symptoms of kidney disease in women may not always look the same as they do in men. Kidney disease can affect both men and women, but some signs might show up differently due to body structure and hormones.

Understanding these differences can help you notice early changes and get help sooner.

Symptoms may vary from person to person. Any lasting change should be discussed with a doctor, no matter your gender.

Kidney Pain vs. Back Pain – How to Identify the Difference

It can be tricky to tell the difference between kidney pain and back pain, as they often feel similar.Symptoms of kidney pain can include steady discomfort under the ribs, pain radiating to the groin, or associated issues like fever and changes in urine. 

However, knowing the right clues can help you figure out what's causing the discomfort and whether it's time to see a doctor.

When Should You Get a Kidney Function Test?

Kidney disease often develops quietly, so timely testing can help catch problems early. A kidney function test measures how well the kidneys are filtering waste and maintaining balance in the body.

Testing is usually recommended in the following situations:

• High blood pressure or diabetes is present, as both are major risk factors
  
  
• There are noticeable changes in urination, like decreased output, frequent night-time urination, or foamy or bloody urine
  
  
• Persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or a general sense of weakness occurs
  
  
• Swelling appears in the legs, ankles, or around the eyes without a clear cause
  
  
• Pain or discomfort is felt near the lower back or sides, especially under the ribs
  
  
• A family history of kidney disease exists
  
  
• Long-term use of certain medications known to affect kidney function is involved

Kidney Care & Treatment at Apollo Hospitals

Apollo Hospitals in India is well known for providing complete kidney care using advanced tools and expert support. The nephrology department offers treatment for all types of kidney problems, from early-stage disease to kidney failure and transplant care. Here's how Apollo ensures reliable treatment for patients across all stages.

Advanced Diagnostic Facilities for Kidney Disease

Apollo Hospitals use high-end testing methods to detect kidney problems early. Some of the key diagnostic tools include:

• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and serum creatinine tests to check how well the kidneys are working
  
  
• Urine tests to look for protein, blood, or infection
  
  
• Ultrasound and imaging scans to check for kidney size, blockage, or stones
  
  
• Kidney biopsies to study tissue samples in difficult cases

Expert Nephrologists & Specialists at Apollo

Apollo Hospitals has a team of experienced nephrologists, urologists, and transplant surgeons who handle complex kidney conditions. They specialise in:

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
  
  
• Kidney infections, stones, and glomerular diseases
  
  
• Dialysis support – both haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis
  
  
• Kidney transplants with high success rates and post-surgery care