Recognizing the Signs of Chronic Kidney Disease: When to Get Checked
07/07/2025
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often progresses quietly, many people don’t realize there’s a problem until it’s fairly advanced. That’s why it’s important to understand what signs to look for and when to seek medical attention. CKD can develop slowly over months or years, and the symptoms can be vague at first. But paying attention to your body, especially if you’re in a high-risk group, can make a big difference in catching the disease early.
“Because kidney disease doesn’t usually cause pain or obvious symptoms in the early stages, many patients don’t know they’re at risk until significant damage has occurred,” says Dr. Allen Kaufman, MD , Chief Medical Officer, Senior VP Clinical & Scientific Affairs with Dialyze Direct. “If you notice any unusual symptoms, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease, don’t ignore them. Ask for a kidney function test.”
Subtle Signs You Might Notice in Early CKD
In the early stages, symptoms may be mild or even nonexistent. If there are signs, they can be easy to brush off:
- Feeling more tired than usual, even with rest
- Poor appetite or unexpected weight loss
- Trouble concentrating or frequent “brain fog”
- Difficulty sleeping
These symptoms are nonspecific and often mistaken for other conditions, but they can be early indicators of kidney stress.
Symptoms That May Appear as Kidney Function Declines
As CKD progresses, signs become more noticeable. These might include:
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs, or face (from fluid retention)
- Increased nighttime urination (nocturia)
- Foamy urine, which can be a sign of protein in the urine
- Changes in urine color, such as dark brown, tea-colored, or blood-tinged
- Shortness of breath, which can happen due to fluid in the lungs or anemia
- Persistent itching (pruritus)
- Muscle cramps, especially at night
- Nausea, vomiting, or a metallic taste in the mouth
- High blood pressure that’s new or hard to control
None of these symptoms are exclusive to CKD, but when they show up, they should prompt further evaluation.
When Should You Talk to a Doctor?
It’s a good idea to get checked if you notice:
- Swelling that doesn’t go away
- Changes in how often or how your urine looks
- Fatigue without a clear reason
- Itching that doesn’t improve
- Newly diagnosed high blood pressure or blood pressure that’s tough to manage
If you have a family history of kidney disease, it’s important to get screened, even if you feel fine.
Who’s Most at Risk?
Certain people are more likely to develop CKD, even without symptoms. If you fall into any of these categories, talk to your doctor about routine kidney function tests:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart or blood vessel disease
- African American, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American descent
- Family history of kidney disease
- Age 60 or older
Early Detection Matters
Kidney disease is often manageable, especially when caught early. Regular screening through blood and urine tests can detect problems before symptoms develop. If you’re concerned about CKD or fall into a high-risk group, don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
At Dialyze Direct, we specialize in providing on-site dialysis in skilled nursing facilities and now within our patients’ homes, helping patients receive care in a more comfortable and convenient setting. Learn more about how our model works or explore our locations to see where we offer services near you.For more information about kidney disease, symptoms, and prevention, visit the National Kidney Foundation.
Information contained in this blog is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals. The content is not meant to be complete or exhaustive or to apply to any specific individual’s medical condition. Always refer to the personalized information given to you by your doctor or contact us directly.
Review:
This content has been reviewed by Dr. Allen Kaufman, MD , Chief Medical Officer, Senior VP Clinical & Scientific Affairs with Dialyze Direct, to ensure clinical accuracy and reliability.
Dr. Allen Kaufman is the Chief Medical Officer and Senior VP for Clinical & Scientific Affairs at Dialyze Direct, with over four decades of experience in Nephrology. He began his career in 1980 and has held leadership roles including Chief of Nephrology & Hypertension at Beth Israel Medical Center (1998–2004), Chief of Dialysis at the Bronx VA Medical Center (1982–1990), and Chief of the Yorkville Dialysis Unit at Beth Israel and the Renal Research Institute (1990–2000). Dr. Kaufman has authored over 100 scientific publications and served as Principal or Co-Investigator on numerous NIH-funded research studies. A Fellow of the American College of Physicians, he is board-certified in Nephrology and Internal Medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Rochester and completed training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Mount Sinai in New York. Dr. Kaufman is widely recognized with multiple “Best Doctor” and “Patients’ Choice” awards.