These symptoms are particularly concerning when they occur with known kidney disease or other signs of declining kidney function.

But nausea and poor appetite have hundreds of possible causes.

A stomach infection, medication, anxiety, digestive disorder, pregnancy, or many other conditions can produce similar symptoms.

Persistent symptoms deserve medical evaluation rather than self-diagnosis.

11. Unpleasant or Metallic Taste in the Mouth

Some people with advanced kidney disease report changes in taste.

Food may taste different, or there may be an unpleasant or metallic taste in the mouth.

This can contribute to reduced appetite.

Again, this is generally more relevant in advanced kidney dysfunction than in early kidney disease.

Changes in taste can also occur because of medications, infections, oral-health problems, nutritional deficiencies, or other conditions.

If the change persists, it is worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

12. Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath can sometimes occur in advanced kidney disease.

There are several possible explanations.

Fluid accumulation can contribute to congestion in the lungs.

Severe anemia can reduce the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity.

Heart problems can also occur alongside chronic kidney disease and contribute to breathlessness.

However, shortness of breath has many potentially serious causes.

Sudden or severe difficulty breathing requires prompt medical attention, regardless of whether kidney disease is suspected.

13. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is both a risk factor for kidney disease and a possible consequence of kidney disease.

This creates a potentially harmful cycle.

Persistently high blood pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels and filtering structures inside the kidneys.

As kidney function declines, the kidneys may become less effective at regulating sodium, fluid, and hormones involved in blood-pressure control.

Blood pressure can then rise further.

This is one reason regular blood-pressure checks are important.

A person can have kidney disease without obvious symptoms while having elevated blood pressure.

14. Changes in Body Weight From Fluid Retention

Rapid changes in body weight do not always mean changes in body fat.

If the kidneys retain sodium and water, body weight can rise because of increased fluid.

This may occur along with:

• Swollen ankles

• Puffy eyes

• Tight rings

• Tighter shoes

• Abdominal swelling

A sudden unexplained increase in weight should be discussed with a healthcare professional, especially if swelling or shortness of breath is also present.

15. Feeling Cold More Often

Some people with chronic kidney disease may feel unusually cold, particularly when anemia develops.

Reduced red-blood-cell production can decrease the body's ability to deliver oxygen efficiently to tissues.

But feeling cold is not a specific kidney symptom.

Anemia from other causes, low thyroid function, low body weight, poor nutrition, circulation problems, and environmental temperature can all contribute.

A blood test can help determine whether anemia is present.

Early Kidney Disease May Have No Symptoms At All

This may be the most important point in the entire discussion.

You can have kidney disease and feel completely normal.

That is why waiting for symptoms is not always an effective way to detect kidney problems.

People at higher risk may benefit from routine testing even if they feel healthy.

Risk factors include:

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Cardiovascular disease

• Family history of kidney disease

• Previous episodes of acute kidney injury

• Obesity

• Older age

• Certain inherited kidney disorders

• Long-term use of certain medications

• Smoking

The appropriate screening schedule depends on individual risk.