Chronic kidney problems generally do not cause symptoms in their initial phases. However, as kidney disease progresses, symptoms like red or frothy urine, urinary frequency, lower back pain and body swelling may appear. Other symptoms of kidney problems include changes in your skin, sleep and even taste.

Some kidney problems do not cause any symptoms at all. Therefore, patients with risk factors for kidney disease, like high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune diseases or obesity should regularly undergo kidney tests that check protein in the urine and creatinine levels.

Imagem ilustrativa número 2 — Doctor holding educational kidney structure

Main symptoms

Some symptoms that may indicate a kidney problem include:

1. Urinary frequency

The frequent urge to urinate can sometimes indicate kidney infection. This symptoms tends to appear especially when an infection has reached the bladder, or if the patient has a history of a prostate condition.

2. Urinating in small quantities

Urinating in small amounts may be a sign of an obstructed urinary tract or that the kidneys are not filtering the blood properly to form urine. This can also happen with urinary tract infections and dehydration.

3. Lower back pain

Lower back pain can also be felt as a result of kidney problems, and this pain can radiate to the sides as well as the groin. Pain can usually interfere with activities of daily living.

4. Body swelling

When the kidneys are unable to filter the blood properly, excess protein is absorbed from the urine into the blood , which can lead to swelling. This fluid retention is typically a sign of a kidney problem.

5. Itchy skin

Itchy skin can be a symptom of a kidney problem, especially in cases of chronic kidney disease. It usually occurs due to the accumulation of toxins in the blood caused by reduced kidney function. Learn more about what can cause itchy skin and how to relieve this symptom.

6. Excessive fatigue

Excessive fatigue can sometimes be a sign of a kidney problem. This is particularly noticeable in chronic kidney disease, where anemia is common and pro-inflammatory substances are released.

7. Change in urine color

Red or white urine can be a sign of a kidney infection, also referred to as pyelonephritis. Different urine colors can also be caused by inflammation in the glomeruli (also known as glomerulonephritis), which can happen with autoimmune diseases.

8. Foamy urine

Foamy urine may indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly and that they are allowing too many proteins to pass from the blood into the urine. This is also referred to as proteinuria, and can often cause foamy urine.

9. Difficulty sleeping

Difficulty sleeping tends to arise when kidney functioning is severely impaired and toxins that accumulate in the body start to affect the brain. This can cause confusion, disorientation and agitation, which can contribute to reduced sleep.

10. Loss of appetite

Loss of appetite is common in cases of chronic kidney disease in advanced stages, as well as kidney infections. It may be associated with other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, resulting from the accumulation of toxic substances and pro-inflammatory substances in the blood.

11. Changes in taste

When kidney functioning is severely impaired, changes in taste may also occur, like a metallic taste in the mouth.

Online symptoms test

If you think you may have a kidney problem, select the signs and symptoms you are experiencing to find out your risk:

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However, to confirm whether there is a kidney problem, it is important to consult a nephrologist or general practitioner for an evaluation, so that the cause of the symptoms can be identified and the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.

Common kidney problems

The problems that most frequently affect the kidneys are:

Kidney stones: which consist of a build-up of small masses within the kidney. These can block or impede urine flow from the bladder;
Renal cysts: which are common with aging. They can cause pain if they are large;
Polycystic renal disease: which is characterized by many cysts in the kidneys, which can impede their function
Hydronephrosis: which occurs when urine is unable to flow from the urine and starts to build-up inside the kidney
Kidney failure: which occurs when progressively worsening lesions in the kidney impede its functioning
Kidney infections: which are caused by bacteria that reach the kidneys through the urinary tracts or through the blood. They are most common in women and can cause symptoms like fever, vomiting and back pain
Acute kidney injury: which occurs specifically in people who are admitted to the hospital with a UTI, in people who have a history of kidney issues, or in older adults whose kidneys stop working spontaneously for a short amount of time (about 2 days). These require urgent treatment.

In addition, people with chronic illnesses that are not controlled (like hypertension or diabetes) can also develop chronic renal disease that will cause small kidney lesions over time. It can eventually turn into kidney failure.

Kidney cancer is also very common, and most frequently occurs in men over the age of 60. It causes symptoms like blood in the urine, frequent fatigue, weight loss for no apparent reason, constant fever, and the presence of a module on the back, on the affected side.

Diagnostic tests

Tests that can be done to diagnose kidney problems are:

Bloodwork: To evaluate the levels of substances that are normally eliminated by the kidneys, like creatnine and urea
Urine test: To check for protein or blood in the urine that could indicate a kidney problem
Ultrasound or CT scan: which can help to identify changes in kidney shape and monitor for cysts or tumors
Biopsy: which is normally done when cancer is suspected, but can be used to identify other problems

These tests can be ordered by the family doctor or nephrologist. Therefore, anytime you suspect a kidney problem, you should see your doctor to confirm whether one exists.

Treatment options

Treatment for kidney abnormalities should be based on the diagnosis. In more acute cases, like small cysts or kidney stones, symptoms can be relieved with simple diet changes, like drinking more water, and avoiding excess salt or calcium intake.

In more serious cases, like kidney failure or chronic kidney disease, treatment needs to be guided by a nephrologist. You may need to control your water intake, take specific medication, participate in dialysis or complete surgery to treat the kidney wounds.

With cancer, surgery is almost always necessary to remove the kidney tumor, as tumors are serious findings. You may also have to receive chemotherapy or radiation to destroy the remaining cancer cells.

In addition, if you have another illness that affects the kidneys, like diabetes or hypertension, it is important to complete all treatment has indicated by your doctor to avoid further kidney injury.