6 Warning Signs of Kid.ney Failure Many People Overlook

When kidney failure develops, several clear warning signs may appear — yet many people ignore these abnormalities.

Kidney failure can progress silently, and many people are unaware of its early signs. Certain unusual symptoms can appear from the very beginning, but most people overlook them, allowing the disease to worsen and become harder to treat.

Persistent Fatigue and Weakness

Long-lasting fatigue and physical weakness are among the most common symptoms of kidney failure. However, they are often mistaken for stress or lack of sleep.
When healthy, the kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which helps create red blood cells. When kidney function declines, the production of EPO decreases, leading to anemia. This anemia then causes fatigue and sluggishness even when you have rested well.

Swelling (Edema)

The kidneys are responsible for removing excess water and waste from the body. When kidney function declines, water and sodium are not effectively eliminated and begin to accumulate. This causes swelling, which is most noticeable in the legs, ankles, and sometimes the face — especially around the eyes. Persistent swelling can be a silent warning sign of kidney failure.

Changes in Urination Habits

Changes in how often you urinate or the appearance of your urine are among the clearest signs of kidney problems.

• Frequent nighttime urination indicates the kidneys are struggling to filter waste.

• On the other hand, decreased urination or difficulty urinating suggests weakened kidney function.

Foamy urine is a warning sign that protein is leaking into the urine (proteinuria). Abnormal urine color is also something to watch closely — pink or red urine may indicate blood cells passing through damaged kidney filters.

Dry, Itchy Skin or Rashes

When the kidneys are not working properly, toxins and waste accumulate in the blood. These irritants can cause dry, itchy, discolored skin or rashes.

Nausea, Loss of Appetite, Changes in Taste

Toxic waste not removed from the blood affects both digestion and the nervous system. People with kidney failure often experience:

• Persistent nausea

• Vomiting (especially in the morning)

• Loss of appetite

• Unexplained weight loss

In some cases, the body may emit an unpleasant odor due to excess urea not being filtered out.

Difficulty Concentrating & Sleep Disturbances

When toxins build up because the kidneys cannot filter them out, the nervous system is affected. This can lead to poor concentration, irritability, and mental fatigue.
Kidney failure patients also have a higher risk of sleep apnea (loud, prolonged snoring), causing poor sleep quality and daytime exhaustion.