When our bodies digest protein the process creates waste products. In the kidneys, millions of tiny blood vessels (capillaries) act as filters. As blood flows through the kidneys, small molecules such as waste products are transferred to the urine. Useful substances such as protein and red blood cells are too big to pass through vessel walls and remain in the blood stream.
The early signs of chronic kidney disease can be very subtle, and It can take many years to go from chronic kidney disease (CKD) to kidney failure. Some people with CKD live out their lives without ever reaching kidney failure. However, knowing the symptoms of kidney disease can help you get the treatment you need to feel your best. If you or someone you know has one or more of the following symptoms of kidney disease, or if you are worried about kidney problems, see a doctor for blood and urine tests. Remember that many of these symptoms can be caused by issues other than kidney disease. The only way to know the cause of your symptoms is to see your doctor.

Changes in Urination: The kidneys produce urine, so when the kidneys are failing the urine may change.

  • You may have to get up more frequently at night to urinate.
  • Urine may be foamy or bubbly.
  • You may urinate in greater amounts than usual with pale urine, or in smaller amounts than usual with dark colored urine.
  • Your urine may contain blood.
  • You may feel pressure or have difficulty urinating.

Swelling: Failing kidneys don't remove extra fluid, which builds up in your body causing swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, face, and/or hands.

Anemia: Healthy kidneys produce erythropoietin hormones that regulate red blood cells. As the kidneys fail you have fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen and your muscles and brain become tired very quickly.
Other symptoms of Anemia are:

  • Shortness of Breath
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling Cold
  • Dizziness and Trouble Concentrating

Skin Rash / Itching: Kidneys remove wastes from the bloodstream. When the kidneys fail, the buildup of wastes in your blood can cause severe itching.

Metallic Taste in Mouth / Ammonia Breath: A buildup of wastes in the blood (uremia) can make food taste different and cause bad breath. Severe uremia can also cause nausea and vomiting.

Leg / Flank Pain: Some people with kidney problems may have pain in the back or side related to the affected kidney. Polycystic kidney disease, which causes large, fluid-filled cysts on the kidneys and sometimes the liver, can cause pain.

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