Did you know that your skin, nails, and even your breath can give you important clues about the health of your kidneys? Kidney disease is more common than you might think, and it often hides in plain sight. It’s estimated that up to 90% of people with chronic kidney disease don’t even know they have it. This is a big problem because if we catch kidney disease early, we can usually treat the root cause and prevent further damage. So, let’s look at 17 signs of chronic kidney disease that you might be able to see. (Based on the expertise of Dr. Siobhan Deshauer.)
Understanding Your Kidneys
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of your lower back, just under your ribs. While many people think of them as simple filters that get rid of toxins in your urine, they actually do much more. Kidneys help regulate salt, potassium, and other electrolytes, balance acid levels in your blood, control hemoglobin levels, and maintain bone health. So, how can you tell if these important organs are in trouble?
Key Takeaways
- Many people with kidney disease don’t know they have it.
- Early detection allows for treatment of the root cause and prevention of further damage.
- Visible signs in urine, skin, nails, and breath can indicate kidney problems.
- Common causes include diabetes, high blood pressure, and overuse of certain medications.
Signs You Can See
17. Foamy UrineIf you notice a persistent layer of dense white foam in your urine, similar to the head on a beer, it could be a sign. This often means a protein called albumin is leaking from your blood into your urine. Normally, the tiny filters in your kidneys, called glomeruli, are too narrow for large proteins like albumin to pass through. However, when these filters get damaged, they can develop gaps, allowing albumin to leak out. Albumin has a soap-like quality, which is why it creates foam.
16. Swelling (Edema)
