Kidney Failure Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Some kidney diseases begin without any symptoms. As the disease progresses, some of the following symptoms may develop:

Fluid retention
Swollen hands and feet, numbness of hands and feet, itchy skin
Fatigue, insomnia
Low urine output (or no urine output in severe cases), frequent urination
Altered consciousness
Loss of appetite, malnutrition
Sores , bad taste in the mouth
Nausea, vomiting
Muscle cramps and twitches
Shortness of breath
Pericarditis
High blood pressure
Low temperature
Seizures , coma
Breath smelling like urine
Yellowish-brownish skin tone

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:

Blood Tests

If the kidneys are not working properly, the blood will show:

An increase in:
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Parathyroid hormone
- Creatinine
- Blood urea nitrogen
A decrease in serum calcium

Other Tests

24-hour urine protein test —to see if your body is losing protein in the urine
Renal ultrasound —uses sound waves to study the renal system (kidneys, bladder, and ureters)
Biopsy —removal of a sample of kidney tissue to test for kidney cell functioning

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.