The kidneys are responsible for removing excess waste and water from the body and helping control blood pressure. In the early stages, kidney problems rarely cause obvious symptoms. Additionally, some of the key symptoms of kidney problems can only be detected through formal laboratory tests, so consult with your physician if kidney disease runs in your family, if you have high blood pressure or diabetes, or if you have any other symptoms of kidney problems.
Urinary Symptoms
Abnormally high levels of proteins--in particular, a protein called albumin--in the urine may be a sign of kidney disease, according to the National Institutes of Health. Blood in the urine may also be a symptom of poor kidney function. A specific blood test called glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is often conducted to determine how efficiently your kidneys are filtering blood. A GFR of less than 60 is considered indicative of kidney problems, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
High Blood Pressure
One of the jobs of the kidneys is to help regulate blood pressure. Blood pressure can, in turn, influence the functioning of the kidneys. Consequently, high blood pressure can be both a cause and a symptom of kidney problems. High blood pressure occurs when the blood moving through the arteries puts abnormal force on the vessel walls, either due to increased blood volume and/or a narrowing of blood vessels. If the kidneys malfunction and fail to filter blood and waste properly, there will be added volume of fluid in the body's vessels and arteries, thereby causing blood pressure to increase.
Because high blood pressure rarely causes any observable symptoms, the only way to determine whether you have high blood pressure is to have it checked by a medical professional.
Bodily Symptoms
According to FamilyDoctor.org, you may notice some physical symptoms as kidney function declines. You may also feel extremely fatigued, notice a decrease in your appetite, have difficulty sleeping and thinking clearly. You may also feel physically weak and have unusual difficulty carrying out your normal activities. Frequent, difficult or painful urination, as well as swelling of the ankles and feet or puffiness in the face or around the eyes may also be warning signs of kidney problems.
