Symptoms of Kidney Trouble

The kidneys remove waste products and help maintain chemical and water balance in the body. Kidney damage can result from exposure to certain toxins, such as pesticides, chemotherapy drugs, solvents or heavy metals.

Edema

• An important sign of kidney trouble is edema, which causes fluid to accumulate in the body. Signs of edema include swelling in the ankles or hands and shortness of breath.

Uremia

• Uremia occurs when toxic wastes accumulate in the bloodstream, resulting in bloating, back or abdominal pain, chills, fever, appetite loss, nausea, vomiting, cloudy or bloody urine and urinary urgency.

Nephrotic Syndrome

• Another sign of kidney disease is nephrotic syndrome, which causes edema and excess protein in the urine.

Kidney Stones

• Kidney stones are accumulations of mineral salts that can lodge in the urinary tract, causing radiating pain from the upper back to the lower abdomen and groin, profuse sweating, frequent urination, pus and blood in the urine and other symptoms.

Kidney Failure

• Kidney (or renal) failure can result from or accompany other disorders, such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, chronic hypertension, liver disease, lupus and sickle cell anemia.