23. General Feeling of Being Unwell

Many people simply report feeling "off," including:

• Low energy
• Poor appetite
• Weakness
• Reduced exercise tolerance

These nonspecific symptoms can occur in many conditions, including kidney disease.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

You may have a higher risk of developing kidney disease if you have:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• A family history of kidney disease
• A history of kidney stones
• Long-term use of certain pain medications (such as NSAIDs)
• Smoking

Regular checkups are especially important for people in these groups.

How to Protect Your Kidneys

Healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk of kidney damage:

• Control blood pressure.
• Manage blood sugar if you have diabetes.
• Drink enough water unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Limit excessive salt intake.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Exercise regularly.
• Avoid smoking.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Use over-the-counter pain medications only as directed.
• Have routine kidney function tests if you're at increased risk.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Seek medical evaluation if you experience:

• Blood in your urine
• Persistent swelling of the legs or face
• Ongoing foamy urine
• Significant changes in urination
• Severe flank pain with fever
• High blood pressure that's difficult to control
• Persistent fatigue accompanied by other symptoms

A healthcare provider may recommend blood tests (such as creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR) and urine tests to assess kidney function.

The Bottom Line

Kidney disease is often called a "silent disease" because symptoms may not appear until kidney function has declined significantly. While the 23 signs discussed above can occur in kidney disease, they are not specific and may have many other causes. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean your kidneys are failing.

The best way to detect kidney disease early is through regular medical checkups, especially if you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow progression, reduce complications, and help preserve kidney function for years to come.