What are the warning signs of a kidney problem?

 Urinary changes

The kidneys are the organs responsible for the production of urine, their dysfunction inevitably leads to urinary disorders.


If you have one or more of these symptoms, it may be a kidney problem:

  • Difficulty urinating and a feeling of pressure
  • Pain during urination
  • Frequent need to urinate during the night
  • Darker or lighter colored urine
  • Weak or more abundant urine
  • Foamy urine.

 Skin rashes and itching

Kidney problems the warning signs of skin rashes and itching


A kidney problem can lead to itchy rashes because the kidneys are not removing waste products from our blood as they should. They then accumulate in the blood and cause itching.

Of course, rashes can have all sorts of other causes: eczema, psoriasis, liver problem, herpes, allergies… Consult a doctor or dermatologist to find out for sure.


 Different breath and a metallic taste in the mouth


Kidney problems warning signs of different breath and metallic taste in mouth

If your breath smells like ammonia and everything tastes like metal, you may have kidney disease.

Indeed, these symptoms can take place because of the accumulation of toxins in the blood due to kidney failure.

 tiredness

Kidney problems warning signs of fatigue

Fatigue is a symptom of many diseases, including kidney disease.

If you feel tired for no apparent reason and lack energy, it may be a problem with the kidneys, because when the kidneys are diseased they produce less erythropoietin (a hormone responsible for transporting oxygen in the blood). The muscles then tire more quickly and the levels of red blood cells and oxygen in the blood drop, which can lead to anemia.

 Swellings

Kidney problems warning signs of swelling


Edema of the eyelids, ankles or feet can be a sign of kidney dysfunction.

Indeed, when there is a malfunction, the kidneys let blood proteins pass into the urine. This creates an imbalance and the serum that was in the blood tends to pass into the surrounding tissues, causing edema.

Very swollen eyelids in the morning and edema of the ankles and feet in the evening are signs that should alert you.

 Lower back pain

Kidney problems warning signs of lower back pain



Kidneys located in the lower back, on the sides, pain on one side or both should alert you.

This may indicate the presence of kidney stones, kidney failure or infection.


All the symptoms described in this article, especially if they are prolonged, are signs that should alert you to a possible problem with the kidneys and encourage you to consult a doctor.