What should you know about chronic kidney disease symptoms?

Chronic kidney disease may cause few early symptoms, but fatigue, excessive thirst and changes in wellbeing can develop as kidney function changes. Symptoms alone cannot confirm kidney disease, so testing and medical history matter.

As kidney function changes, some people notice tiredness, thirst, swelling, changes in urination, itching, nausea or difficulty concentrating. Anaemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes can occur alongside kidney disease or affect kidney health. Gout and restless legs syndrome may also be relevant to the wider clinical picture, but none of these conditions proves that kidney disease is present.

Arrange a medical review for persistent fatigue, excessive thirst, swelling, urine changes or known risk factors. Take a list of medicines and supplements, including non-prescription pain medicines, and mention any history of hypertension, diabetes or gout. Your clinician may check blood pressure, blood and urine tests, and kidney function over time. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice.

Seek urgent care for severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, collapse, very little urine, rapidly worsening swelling or repeated vomiting. Contact a clinician promptly when symptoms are new or worsening, especially if you have known kidney disease or cannot keep fluids down.

Ask which tests assess kidney function, whether your medicines need review, how blood pressure and diabetes affect your kidneys, and which changes should trigger urgent contact.