May 7, 2025

BY: ET Online

8 warning signs your kidneys may be in trouble

Swelling in Ankles, Feet, or Hands

When kidneys aren’t functioning properly, they struggle to eliminate excess sodium and fluid, causing visible swelling or puffiness, especially in the lower legs, feet, or hands.

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Changes in Urination

Frequent urination, foamy urine, or difficulty urinating may indicate impaired kidney function. These changes reflect how efficiently your kidneys filter and eliminate waste from the body.

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Persistent Fatigue

Failing kidneys produce less erythropoietin, leading to fewer red blood cells. This causes anaemia, making you feel weak, tired, and mentally drained even after adequate rest.

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Shortness of Breath

Extra fluid from failing kidneys can build up in the lungs, causing breathlessness. Anaemia-related oxygen deficiency may also contribute to difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

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Metallic Taste or Ammonia Breath

A buildup of waste in the bloodstream (uremia) can lead to a persistent metallic taste in the mouth or breath that smells like ammonia or urine.

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Itchy and Dry Skin

Kidneys help maintain mineral balance. When they fail, toxin buildup and nutrient imbalance can result in persistent dryness and itching, often signalling bone and mineral disorders.

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Poor Appetite or Nausea

Waste accumulation in the blood due to poor kidney function can affect digestion, leading to a reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, and an overall feeling of discomfort.

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Difficulty Concentrating or Dizziness

Decreased kidney function can result in toxins and waste accumulating in the bloodstream, affecting brain function, leading to dizziness, memory issues, and trouble focusing or thinking clearly.

Image Source: iStock

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