What are the symptoms of chronic kidney disease?

Knowing the symptoms of chronic kidney disease can help you detect it early enough to get treatment. Symptoms can include:

Fatigue or weakness — a buildup of wastes or a shortage of red blood cells (anemia) can cause these problems when the kidneys begin to fail.
Loss of appetite, Nausea and vomiting
Swelling of the feet, ankles, hands or face — caused by a buildup of fluid in the body.
Changes in urination — making more or less urine than usual, feeling pressure when urinating, changes in the color of urine, foamy or bubbly urine, or having to get up at night to urinate.
Bad or metal taste in the mouth — waste buildup in the body can cause bad breath, changes in taste or an aversion to protein foods like meat.
Shortness of breath — kidney failure is sometimes confused with asthma or heart failure, because fluid can build up in the lungs.
Back or flank pain — the kidneys are located on either side of the spine in the back.
Itchy skin — waste buildup in the body can cause severe itching, especially of the legs.
More hypoglycemic episodes, if diabetic

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor. This is especially important if you have a family history of chronic kidney disease, frequent kidney stones, or if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Write down your symptoms and bring that information with you to your next doctor’s appointment. Whether you discover that your kidneys are healthy or you know you have kidney problems, knowing about it sooner may ease your mind and allow you to take steps to slow the progression of kidney disease and possibly delay or prevent dialysis or a kidney transplant.