7 immediate signs that our kidneys are not working fine

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 10% of people globally, and millions of people die from it every year as a result of not having access to affordable treatment. We may not realise it but our kidneys have quite an important role in filtering waste, balancing fluids, and maintaining overall health. When they start to fail, our body sends signals that should not be ignored. Early detection of kidney problems can be life-saving. Here are 7 immediate signs that our kidneys may not be functioning properly.

One of the first signs of kidney dysfunction is a noticeable change in urination patterns. This can include:
Frequent urination, especially at night.
Darker, foamy, or bloody urine (these could be a sign of the disease being in its later stages).
A decrease or increase in urine output without any obvious reason.
Difficulty or pain while urinating.
Since kidneys are responsible for filtering waste, any change in urination could indicate underlying kidney trouble.

Your skin can reflect the health of your kidneys. When the kidneys fail to remove toxins and excess minerals from the blood, it can lead to:
Extremely dry skin.Persistent itching that doesn't improve with moisturizers.Rashes or irritation due to toxin buildup.Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can also cause mineral imbalances, leading to calcium and phosphorus issues that affect the skin.

When the kidneys do not filter excess fluids properly, water retention can occur, causing noticeable swelling, particularly in the:
Feet and ankles.Hands and fingers.Face, especially around the eyes.
This swelling, known as oedema, can be a sign of declining kidney function and should not be ignored.

A buildup of toxins in the blood due to kidney dysfunction can alter your sense of taste and appetite. Some common signs include:A persistent metallic taste in the mouth.Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.A feeling of nausea or vomiting, particularly in the morning.These symptoms occur when waste accumulates in the body, a condition known as uremia.

When kidneys fail to filter toxins effectively, the waste remains in the bloodstream instead of being eliminated through urine. This can lead to:
Difficulty falling or staying asleep.Restless leg syndrome causes discomfort and disturbed sleep.Sleep apnea is commonly associated with kidney disease.If you have chronic sleep problems, it might be worth getting your kidney function checked.

If you experience breathlessness even without exertion, your kidneys might not be functioning properly. This can happen due to:
Fluid buildup in the lungs, making it hard to breathe.
Reduced oxygen levels due to anaemia caused by kidney disease.
If you notice unexplained shortness of breath, consult a doctor as soon as possible.

If you constantly feel exhausted despite resting, it could be due to kidney issues. Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO), which helps make red blood cells. When kidney function declines, EPO production decreases, leading to anaemia—a condition that causes fatigue, weakness, and dizziness.