7. Poor Appetite or Nausea
As chronic kidney disease progresses, waste products can build up in the bloodstream, sometimes causing symptoms such as poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, or weight loss.
These symptoms may occur in advanced stages but can also result from many other health conditions. Persistent or unexplained nausea or loss of appetite should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause.
When to See a Doctor
Early kidney disease often develops without noticeable symptoms, making regular testing essential, especially if you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure.
Two important tests to assess kidney function are:
- eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): a blood test that estimates how well your kidneys are filtering waste.
- uACR (urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio): a urine test that measures protein levels to detect kidney damage.
If you experience any persistent or unexplained symptoms mentioned above, or if you have risk factors for kidney disease, consult your healthcare provider for evaluation and testing.
Conclusion
Symptoms such as foamy urine, swelling in the feet and ankles, fatigue, changes in urination, puffiness around the eyes, dry or itchy skin, and poor appetite can sometimes indicate kidney disease. However, these signs are often caused by other conditions as well.
Because early kidney disease frequently has no symptoms, relying on symptom detection alone is not sufficient. If you have risk factors or persistent symptoms, laboratory testing is the most reliable way to detect or rule out kidney disease early.
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your kidney health or symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional.
