7 early kidney failure signs you're probably missing, Nephrologist warns

Our kidneys work quietly every day, filtering waste, balancing fluids, and keeping the body in a stable condition. Because they are so efficient, early kidney damage often shows very subtle symptoms signs many people overlook until serious harm has already occurred. “Kidney disease begins quietly. Most patients realise something is wrong only when half the kidney function is already lost,” says Dr. Seeta Mutalik, Consultant Nephrologist, HCG Suchirayu Hospital, Hubli

Recognising these early signals can make a life-saving difference.

SWELLING IN FEET, FACE, OR AROUND THE EYES

One of the first warning signs is unexplained swelling, especially in the feet, ankles, or face, or puffiness around the eyes. Healthy kidneys remove excess salt and water. When this function slows down, fluid collects in the tissues.

“Swelling that comes and goes is not normal. It is often the body’s first alarm that the kidneys are struggling,” Dr. Mutalik warns.

CHANGES IN URINE: COLOUR, FOAM, FREQUENCY

Altered urination patterns are among the most important kidney signals

You may notice

. Frequent urination, especially at night

. Dark, very pale, or foamy urine

. Blood in the urine

. Burning, discomfort, or difficulty while passing urine

Foamy urine is especially concerning. “Foamy or bubbly urine can mean the kidneys are leaking protein, which is an early indicator of kidney damage,” she explains.

UNEXPLAINED HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

High blood pressure in young adults is often ignored, but it can point directly to kidney problems. The kidneys help regulate blood pressure, and when damaged, they trigger hypertension.

“Unexplained hypertension, particularly in young adults, should never be dismissed. It may be the earliest sign of kidney disease,” says Dr. Mutalik.

PERSISTENT FATIGUE AND LOW ENERGY

Feeling unusually tired or weak is another red flag. When kidneys fail to filter toxins effectively, impurities build up in the blood, reducing oxygen supply and causing fatigue, brain fog, and poor concentration.

Many attribute



this to stress or lack of sleep, delaying diagnosis further.

LOSS OF APPETITE, NAUSEA OR METALLIC TASTE

Waste buildup in the body affects digestion and appetite. People may experience

. Nausea

. Vomiting

. Loss of appetite

. Metallic taste or bad breath

These symptoms can appear mild at first but worsen as kidney function declines.

SHORTNESS OF BREATH

Breathlessness can occur due to two reasons

. Fluid buildup in the lungs

. Anaemia caused by low red blood cell production

. Kidneys produce a hormone (EPO) that stimulates RBC formation, and damaged kidneys produce less of it.

. Imbalance of minerals and buildup of waste products can cause dryness, itching, and skin pigmentation changes.

KIDNEY SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN

In children, signs may look very different

. Growth failure

. Repeated urine infections

. Persistent bed-wetting

. Leg deformities

Kidney swelling detected in antenatal scans also requires urgent follow-up. “Early treatment in childhood can prevent the need for dialysis or transplant in adulthood,” emphasises Dr. Mutalik.

PEOPLE AT HIGHER RISK MUST BE EXTRA ALERT

Those with

. Diabetes

. High blood pressure

. Heart disease

. Obesity

. A family history of kidney disease

Should undergo regular screening.

“A simple blood and urine test can detect kidney problems early, yet most people wait until symptoms become severe,” Dr. Mutalik stresses.

Kidney failure doesn’t start with loud symptoms; it begins with small clues the body sends out. Listening to these signals and getting timely testing can protect kidney function for years.

“Early diagnosis, lifestyle changes and proper treatment can slow down or even halt kidney damage. Awareness is your strongest protection,” says Dr. Mutalik.