Kidney damage: 10 symptoms of kidney problems people mistake for dehydration

A lot of the time, kidney problems start without any obvious signs, and the first signs are often very similar to dehydration. People might not notice important symptoms because both conditions mess with fluid balance and they think they just need to drink more water. But knowing the difference can help you find kidney problems early and stop them from getting worse.
(Dr. Varun Mittal, Head - Kidney Transplant & Associate Chief - Uro-Oncology & Robotic Surgery (Unit I), Artemis Hospitals)

If you drink a lot of water and still feel tired, it could mean that your kidneys aren't filtering toxins properly. When waste builds up in your blood it makes you tired.

Cramps can happen when you're dehydrated or when your kidneys aren't working right. Kidney related cramps happen when the kidneys don't balance electrolytes like calcium and potassium.

It might seem like dehydration from the heat when you feel sick to your stomach but when your kidneys don't filter waste, toxins build up and make you feel sick.

If your mouth stays dry even after you drink enough water it could be because your kidneys aren't working right and toxins are building up. This can make your breath smell bad and taste like metal.

Dark urine usually means you're not drinking enough water but urine that is very foamy or frothy could mean you have too much protein which is a sign of kidney damage.

Dehydration usually makes things dry but kidney problems make things swell because the body can't get rid of extra fluid and sodium. A common early sign is swelling around the eyes.

People often think they're dehydrated and drink more water but if they pee more often, it could mean that their kidneys are having trouble concentrating urine or that they are sick and infected.

Dehydration is often said by some people to cause brain fog and difficulty concentrating. When the kidneys do not function properly and remove waste effectively, the waste builds up in the blood and affects how well the brain works, making it more difficult to stay focused and think clearly.

Drinking water usually helps with itching caused by dehydration, but it doesn't help with itching caused by kidney problems, which is caused by a buildup of toxins or an imbalance of minerals.

A lot of people mix this up with dehydration aches but pain that won't go away near the lower back where the kidneys are could mean an infection, kidney stones and swelling.
It's important to notice these signs early. If you have any of these symptoms even after drinking enough water you should get your kidneys checked. Getting a diagnosis early can help your health in the long run.