What is Kidney Disease?

Explore this section to learn more about chronic kidney disease (CKD). You will find that CKD, which can happen at any age, can have both common and rare causes. Learn about the symptoms, some of which may not show up until a later stage of the disease.

Early Symptoms

Early symptoms of kidney decline include:

Changes in your urination (more or less frequent and changes in color)
Fatigue/tiredness/weakness (healthy kidneys produce a hormone that helps produce red blood cells)
Shortness of breath
Nausea or vomiting
A loss of appetite

Changes in how things taste
Possible confusion
High blood pressure (can cause kidney disease or vice versa by weakening arteries that supply the kidneys)
Inflammation/swelling in the face, feet or hands (weak kidneys have a problem removing excess waste; this waste can cause your body to swell)

Later Stage Symptoms

Later stage symptoms include:

Increased changes in urination patterns (blood in the urine, foamy appearance, producing much more or less and frequency issues)
Increased fatigue (muscle soreness, lightheaded, dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches)
Increased swelling or inflammation

Pain in the lower back around your kidneys
Poor growth (seen in children since kidneys control many metabolites growth is impacted)
Toxin build up (bad breath, itching, nausea, metallic taste or rashes)

Related Information

New Resources for Teens

Hannah Bracamonte2024-03-28T21:00:27-04:00March 2nd, 2020|Categories: Additional Resources, Diagnosis of Kidney Disease, eNews, Fact Sheet, Home Hemodialysis, Humor and Laughter, In-Center Hemodialysis, Kidney Transplant, Lifestyle, Medication, Nutrition, Pediatric Kidney Disease, Peritoneal Dialysis, Stress Management, Support, Symptoms|Tags: cystinosis|

These booklets were developed for tweens and teens who learn their kidneys are not working and they will need dialysis or a transplant. The booklets provide a brief overview of coping with kidney disease, being [...]

Treatments and Modality Options for Kidney Disease

Hannah Bracamonte2024-03-28T21:00:50-04:00October 21st, 2019|Categories: Diagnosis of Kidney Disease, Early Intervention, eNews, Home Hemodialysis, In-Center Hemodialysis, Kidney Transplant, Peritoneal Dialysis, Stages of Kidney Disease, Symptoms, Webinar, What Causes Kidney Disease|

During this webinar you will learn: 1) how kidneys work, 2) about chronic kidney disease stages and symptoms, 3) how to slow progression, 4) end stage options for treatment and 5) about accesses. About the [...]

Free Monthly Webinars/Conference Calls

Hannah Bracamonte2024-03-28T20:59:20-04:00March 21st, 2019|Categories: About DPC Ed Center, Costs for Treatment, Diagnosis of Kidney Disease, Early Intervention, Employment, Home Hemodialysis, Humor and Laughter, Immunizations, In-Center Hemodialysis, Kidney Transplant, Lifestyle, Medication, Mental Health, Music, Nutrition, Pediatric Kidney Disease, Peritoneal Dialysis, Physical Health, Sex and Intimacy, Stages of Kidney Disease, Stress Management, Support, Symptoms, The Kidney Citizen, Webinar, What Causes Kidney Disease|

The DPC Education Center invites people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), their families and professional staff to join us for our monthly webinars. You can also join by phone or [...]