7 signs of kidney failure you should not ignore

Kidney failure can develop gradually, and some people may have few noticeable symptoms until their kidney function has become severely reduced. When the kidneys can no longer remove enough waste and excess fluid from the body, these substances can build up and cause different symptoms.

Kidney failure is generally defined as kidney function falling below normal. At this stage, symptoms can result from the buildup of waste products and extra fluid in the body.

The symptoms can vary from one person to another. Some may experience swelling or changes in urination, while others may develop severe tiredness, nausea or difficulty concentrating.

Importantly, having one of these symptoms does not automatically mean a person has kidney failure. Other health conditions can cause similar problems. Kidney function is assessed with medical tests, including blood and urine tests.

In this article, Tribune Online highlights five signs that may occur when kidney function becomes severely impaired.

Swelling in the legs, feet or ankles

Unexplained swelling, particularly around the feet, ankles  and legs, can occur when the kidneys are unable to remove enough excess fluid from the body. The retained fluid can accumulate in tissues, producing a condition known as oedema. 

Some people may notice that their shoes feel tighter than usual or that their socks leave deeper marks around their ankles.

Swelling can also affect other parts of the body, including the hands or face. However, kidney problems are not the only possible cause of oedema. Heart and liver conditions, certain medicines and other health problems can also cause swelling. Persistent or unexplained swelling therefore deserves medical assessment rather than being assumed to be kidney failure.

Passing much less urine

A noticeable reduction in the amount of urine produced can occur in kidney failure. Healthy kidneys filter the blood and remove waste and excess fluid through urine.

 When kidney function becomes severely impaired, urine production may decrease considerably. In some cases of kidney failure, a person may produce very little urine or none at all.

However, reduced urination does not always mean kidney failure. Dehydration, urinary obstruction and some other medical conditions can also reduce urine output. 

A sudden and significant reduction in urination should not be ignored, particularly when it occurs alongside swelling, weakness, breathlessness or other concerning symptoms.

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Persistent tiredness and weakness

Severe or persistent tiredness  can occur as kidney disease becomes advanced. The kidneys have several important functions beyond producing urine. They produce a hormone involved in the production of red blood cells. 

When kidney function is severely reduced, anaemia can develop, which can contribute to weakness, tiredness and reduced physical energy.

Waste products accumulating in the blood can also contribute to feeling unwell. Someone who is constantly exhausted despite adequate rest should not automatically assume that the problem is simply stress or lack of sleep.

Persistent fatigue has many possible causes, but when it occurs with other symptoms of kidney disease, a medical evaluation may be appropriate.

Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite

As kidney function declines significantly, waste products can accumulate in the blood because the kidneys are no longer able to remove them effectively. This can cause digestive symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Some people may also notice that food tastes different or develop an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

These symptoms can become more noticeable as kidney disease becomes advanced. However, nausea and vomiting are common symptoms with many possible causes, including infections, digestive disorders and medication effects. 

Persistent symptoms, especially when combined with swelling, reduced urine production or severe weakness, should therefore be medically assessed rather than attributed to a stomach problem alone.

Confusion or difficulty concentrating

Changes in mental alertness can occur when kidney failure becomes severe. When the kidneys cannot adequately remove waste products from the blood, their accumulation can affect how a person feels and functions. 

A person may find it unusually difficult to concentrate , feel mentally confused or have problems remembering things. New or severe confusion should be treated seriously because it can have many causes and may sometimes indicate a medical emergency. It should not simply be assumed to be a sign of kidney failure.

Dry or itchy skin

Persistent dry or itchy skin can occur in advanced kidney disease. When kidney function is severely reduced, the body may have difficulty maintaining the normal balance of minerals and other substances. These changes can contribute to itching and skin discomfort.

Some people with advanced kidney disease experience itching over large areas of the body without an obvious skin condition causing it. Nevertheless, itchy skin is common and can result from allergies, eczema, dry weather, medicines and many other conditions. 

Persistent unexplained itching, especially when accompanied by other symptoms of kidney disease, should be evaluated.

Muscle cramps

Muscle cramps can also occur in people with advanced kidney disease. Severely impaired kidney function can disturb the body’s balance of minerals and electrolytes. These changes may contribute to muscle cramps, particularly in the legs.

However, muscle cramps are common and can also occur because of physical activity, dehydration, certain medicines and other health conditions. 

Frequent or severe cramps should therefore not automatically be attributed to kidney failure. When they occur together with other concerning symptoms, medical assessment is appropriate.