What Are the Early and Late Symptoms of Kidney Failure
Kidneys are one of the most essential organs in our body as it aids in removing toxins and additional water from our body and filter our blood. Apart from that, it also performs other vital functions.
When it is unable to remove toxic wastes from our body properly, it is termed as kidney failure. It is also known as renal failure. It is the last stage of kidney or renal disease.
Causes and Types of Kidney Failure
Several factors can cause kidney failure in our body. Some of them are mentioned below –
A major accident can cause physical damage to our kidneys leading to kidney failure.
Certain health conditions, acute and chronic diseases can also be the reasons for kidney failure. Diabetes and high blood pressure are two most common causes of kidney failure. However, in this case, individuals slowly lose their kidney function.
Exposure to toxic chemicals, pollutants and certain medications can cause kidney damage
Severe dehydration and loss of blood flow are also some reason behind kidney failure.
There are different types of Kidney Failure
Acute prerenal kidney failure.
Chronic prerenal kidney failure.
Acute intrinsic kidney failure.
Chronic intrinsic kidney failure.
Chronic post-renal kidney failure.
Kidney Failure Symptoms
So, how do you know if your kidneys are failing symptoms?
It is essential to keep in mind that except in some instances, kidneys do not lose their ability to function overnight. Instead, kidney failure happens slowly over years or months. In the early stages of kidney damage, there are usually no symptoms, so it is almost impossible to detect.
Individuals start exhibiting signs of kidney failure when the disease has already progressed to later stages.
Some of the kidney failure symptoms that one may experience are as follows –
Fatigue – One of the common kidney trouble symptoms is fatigue. Individuals will feel more tired and unable to concentrate properly. They may also feel nausea and induced vomiting.
Blood and Foam in urine – If kidney functions starts deteriorating, it will be unable to filter waste properly. A person will feel the need to urinate more often in that case.
Apart from that, other symptoms of kidney problems are urine may contain blood, or it may be foamy, which means there is a protein in the urine. The urine may be dark red or purple in such cases.
Additionally, because of blood loss, he or she may also suffer from anaemia which is another indication of kidney failure.
Swelling – If kidneys are not functioning properly, it will lead to sodium and fluid retention in our body, which will cause swelling in ankles and feet.
Dryness and itchiness – Dry and itchy skin is another kidney issue symptoms. If kidney failure has progressed to later stages, it can cause mineral and bone diseases.
Puffiness – One will see puffiness around eyes which is caused by protein deficiency in the body through urine. A person with kidney failure will also have trouble sleeping at night.
Muscle cramps and Poor appetite – An individual may also experience kidney disorder symptoms such as muscle cramps and have a poor appetite because of a loss of taste. These are due to electrolyte imbalance in the body.
Reduced urine – A reduced urine output (compared to average) may also be signs of kidney problem.
Chest pains – Another symptom of kidney failure is pain in the chest and shortness of breath.
A person who is exhibiting some of the kidney failure symptoms mentioned above should consult his medical advisor immediately for a check-up.
Treatment for Kidney Disease
As of yet, no cure for kidney failure has been invented. However, there are treatments available, which allows an individual to live a healthy and active life even after that particular organ’s failure. If the kidney disease has not progressed to severe stages yet, medication is prescribed, which help in controlling the kidney failure symptoms and reduce any further complications.
If the disease is at the final stage, then there are two treatment options –
Dialysis - through this process, the toxic waste is mechanically taken out of the body.
Kidney Transplant – the damaged kidney is replaced with a healthy one, obtained from a donor. A donor can be living or deceased.
You can also go through more articles on a related topic on our website, which will help you to gain a better understanding of the subject. You can also avail the study materials in PDF format and study at your own pace.
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FAQs on Kidney Failure Symptoms and Warning Signs Explained
1. What are the early symptoms of kidney failure?
Early kidney failure symptoms often include fatigue, swelling, and changes in urination due to reduced kidney function. In the initial stages, damage to the nephrons reduces the kidneys’ ability to filter waste efficiently. Common early signs include:
- Fatigue and weakness from anemia or toxin buildup
- Swelling (edema) in feet, ankles, or around the eyes
- Changes in urine frequency, color, or foaming
- Loss of appetite or mild nausea
- Difficulty concentrating
These symptoms are often subtle and may go unnoticed in early chronic kidney disease (CKD).
2. What are the symptoms of end-stage kidney failure?
Symptoms of end-stage kidney failure (stage 5 CKD) include severe toxin buildup, fluid overload, and life-threatening complications. At this stage, the kidneys have lost nearly all filtering capacity. Common symptoms include:
- Severe shortness of breath due to fluid in lungs
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or reduced alertness from uremia
- Severe swelling in legs and face
- Chest pain from fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion)
Dialysis or a kidney transplant is usually required at this stage.
3. How does kidney failure affect urination?
Kidney failure affects urination by altering urine volume, frequency, and appearance due to impaired filtration. Damage to the glomeruli reduces the kidneys’ ability to regulate fluid and waste removal. Changes may include:
- Increased or decreased urine output
- Foamy urine from excess protein (proteinuria)
- Dark, cloudy, or bloody urine
- Frequent urination at night (nocturia)
These changes reflect disruption in normal renal function.
4. Why does kidney failure cause swelling in the body?
Kidney failure causes swelling because damaged kidneys cannot remove excess fluid and sodium from the body. When renal filtration declines, fluid accumulates in tissues, leading to edema. This commonly affects:
- Feet and ankles
- Hands and face
- Abdomen (ascites in severe cases)
Low blood levels of albumin due to protein loss can further worsen fluid retention.
5. Can kidney failure cause fatigue and weakness?
Yes, kidney failure commonly causes fatigue and weakness due to anemia and toxin buildup in the blood. Diseased kidneys produce less erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. As a result:
- Fewer red blood cells lead to anemia
- Oxygen delivery to tissues decreases
- Metabolic wastes accumulate in the bloodstream
This combination results in persistent tiredness and reduced physical stamina.
6. What is uremia and what are its symptoms?
Uremia is a condition in which waste products accumulate in the blood due to severe kidney failure. It occurs when the kidneys cannot effectively filter urea, creatinine, and other toxins. Symptoms of uremia include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or difficulty thinking
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Itchy skin (pruritus)
- Muscle cramps
Uremia is a medical emergency requiring dialysis or urgent treatment.
7. How does kidney failure affect blood pressure?
Kidney failure often causes high blood pressure because damaged kidneys cannot properly regulate fluid balance and hormones. The kidneys control blood pressure through:
- Regulation of sodium and water balance
- Release of renin in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS)
When these mechanisms malfunction, hypertension develops, which can further damage kidney tissue in a harmful cycle.
8. What is the difference between acute kidney failure and chronic kidney failure symptoms?
Acute kidney failure develops suddenly, while chronic kidney failure progresses slowly over months or years. Their symptoms differ in onset and progression:
- Acute kidney injury (AKI): Rapid decrease in urine output, sudden swelling, confusion, and electrolyte imbalance
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD): Gradual fatigue, persistent swelling, anemia, and long-term toxin buildup
AKI may be reversible if treated quickly, whereas CKD is usually progressive and long-term.
9. Can kidney failure cause skin problems?
Yes, kidney failure can cause skin problems due to toxin accumulation and mineral imbalance. Reduced excretion of waste and altered calcium–phosphate balance lead to:
- Severe itching (uremic pruritus)
- Dry, flaky skin
- Pale skin from anemia
- Yellowish or grayish skin tone in advanced cases
These skin changes are common in advanced chronic kidney disease.
10. How do doctors diagnose kidney failure based on symptoms and tests?
Doctors diagnose kidney failure using symptoms along with blood and urine tests that measure kidney function. Key diagnostic tests include:
- Blood test for serum creatinine and calculation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
- Urine test to detect proteinuria or blood
- Electrolyte tests for potassium and sodium imbalance
- Imaging such as ultrasound to assess kidney structure
A persistently low GFR and abnormal lab results confirm reduced renal function and possible kidney failure.
