The MayoClinic.com notes that signs of kidney damage may be nonspecific and mistaken for other illnesses. In many cases symptoms of kidney may not appear until irreversible damage has been sustained. Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or high blood pressure and a family history of kidney disease can increase the risk of kidney damage. Medical tests to monitor blood pressure as well as urine and blood tests to assess kidney health can help to prevent progressive kidney damage.
General Symptoms
This group of symptoms affects the entire body and may not appear to be linked to the kidney damage. These symptoms are also referred to as constitutional symptoms and include chronic fatigue, tiredness, darkened skin complexion, memory loss, difficulty focusing and concentrating, insomnia and sleeping disorders, as listed by the MayoClinic.com. These symptoms are usually linked to toxins circulating in the bloodstream instead of being secreted by the kidneys. As these symptoms can indicate a variety of illnesses and disorders, other symptoms or medical tests are required to confirm whether the cause is a decline in kidney functions.
Nonspecific Symptoms
Nonspecific symptoms can be caused by a variety of conditions and may affect one or more body systems. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearing House notes that these symptoms include muscle cramps, swelling in the hands or feet, appetite loss, vomiting, nausea and other dietary symptoms. Nonspecific symptoms are not isolated to kidney disease and may be caused by other illnesses and disorders. Loss of appetite can cause poor nutrition such as a low intake of protein leading to further weakness, muscle wasting and other symptoms.
Fluid Retention
According to the American Association of Kidney Patients, fluid retention is the third most common symptom of kidney damage. Patients with kidney disease do still have the ability to urinate, which is why some individuals do not realize that their kidneys are malfunctioning. However kidney damage causes an imbalance between the salt and water excreted through the urine, causing progressively worsening fluid retention in the body. The accumulation of fluid can lead to or worsen hypertension or high blood pressure, swelling in the body, difficulty breathing and a shortness of breath. Physicians may prescribe medications such as diuretics and a low-sodium diet for patients with early stage kidney disease. Dialysis is required for severe or late stage kidney disease.
