More Kidney Condition Symptoms

The most common symptoms of a kidney condition are changes in urination, swelling, fatigue, anemia, vomiting, nausea, shortness of breath, pain in the legs and back, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, chills, itching, rashes and bad or "metallic" breath.

Urination

• An increased urge to urinate during the night hints of a problem. The flow may be greater than normal, or at other times nothing more than a sprinkle. The urine may be bubbly or foamy, cloudy, pale or mixed with traces of blood.

Swelling

• This condition, known as edema, results in water building in the body as the kidneys, unable to expel fluids, cause the ankles, legs and face to swell. Shoes that normally fit become difficult to get on and puffiness around the eyes occurs.

Fatigue/Anemia

• When kidneys deteriorate, oxygen movement is slowed, causing the brain and muscles to tire. This condition, known as anemia, results in dizziness and a lack of concentration. Shortness of breath, caused by a fluid buildup in the lungs, along with chills and a sensation of constant cold, develop.

Metallic Breath

• A metallic taste in the mouth, with breath that smells like ammonia, is a symptom known as uremia. Increased toxins cause a loss of appetite and even affect the taste of food. Some people lose interest in eating any sort of meat product.

More Symptoms

• Dry skin, rashes and heavy itching are signs of excessive wastes in the bloodstream. Some experience a sense of itching deep into the bone. Elevated levels of toxins cause nausea and vomiting. Increased pain in the legs or the back may be tied to polycystic kidney disease.