1. Abnormal Urination
Normally, when you wake up in the morning, your urine may be darker because you haven’t drunk water all night. By mid-morning, the color usually becomes lighter but still a pale yellow, which is normal. However, if your urine is always clear and colorless no matter how many times you urinate, it indicates that the kidneys are starting to fail to filter waste. Some people may have cloudy urine or foam, which could mean protein leakage. If you urinate frequently, dozens of times a day, you should get checked immediately.
2. Swelling of Face, Arms, and Legs
Most kidney patients experience swelling of the upper eyelids, starting from when they wake up, then swelling spreads to the ankles, lower legs, and eventually the whole body. This swelling is caused by excess water and salt in the body due to the kidneys’ inability to excrete waste properly. A simple check is to press your finger firmly on the swollen area for a while and then release. If a dent remains, you should urgently see a doctor.
3. Waist and Back Pain
If you haven’t overexerted yourself with exercise but suddenly experience pain in the lower back area, it may be due to kidney abnormalities. Some cases involve pain near the ribs radiating to the lower abdomen or severe pain extending to bones and joints, which could be caused by blockage in the ureter or kidney inflammation. Try tapping gently with your hand; if it hurts, it may indicate kidney inflammation or an acute infection.
4. Feeling Weak All the Time
In early-stage kidney disease, patients may not show many symptoms. However, as the condition worsens, they will feel easily tired, fatigued, weak, and less energetic than usual. In severe cases of chronic kidney failure, symptoms include pale complexion, itching all over the body, and loss of appetite.