Your kidneys work around the clock to filter waste and excess fluid from your blood, balance important minerals, and help regulate blood pressure. When the kidneys become damaged, these functions may gradually become less effective.
Kidney disease can develop slowly over time, and many people do not notice symptoms during the early stages. This is one reason kidney problems may go undetected until they become more advanced.
Recognizing possible warning signs, understanding your risk factors, and getting appropriate medical tests can help identify kidney problems earlier. In this guide, you will learn about the early signs of kidney disease, possible causes, who is at higher risk, and when to seek medical advice.
What Is Kidney Disease?
Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys become damaged or do not function as effectively as they should. The kidneys contain millions of tiny filtering units that remove waste products and excess water from the blood while helping maintain the body's fluid and mineral balance.
They also help regulate blood pressure, support red blood cell production, and maintain healthy bones.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops when kidney abnormalities or reduced kidney function persist for at least three months. It may result from diabetes, high blood pressure, certain kidney conditions, or other health problems.
Kidney disease can range from mild changes in kidney function to severe damage. Early detection is important because appropriate treatment may slow progression and reduce the risk of complications.
What Are the Early Signs of Kidney Disease?
One important fact to understand is that early kidney disease often causes no noticeable symptoms. You may feel completely well even when blood or urine tests show changes in kidney health.
When symptoms do occur, they may be subtle or resemble those of other medical conditions.
1. Changes in Urination
Changes in your usual urination pattern can sometimes be associated with kidney or urinary tract problems.
You might notice:
Urinating more frequently than usual, particularly at night.
Passing less urine than normal.
Changes in urine appearance.
Difficulty urinating or discomfort during urination.
Blood in the urine.
These changes do not automatically mean you have kidney disease. For example, frequent urination can be associated with diabetes, urinary tract infections, certain medications, or drinking fluids close to bedtime.
However, persistent or unexplained changes deserve medical attention, especially if you also have diabetes or high blood pressure.
2. Foamy or Bubbly Urine
Occasionally foamy urine is often harmless. It may occur when urine flows quickly into the toilet or when the urine is concentrated.
However, repeatedly foamy urine can sometimes indicate protein in the urine. Healthy kidneys usually prevent substantial amounts of protein from passing into urine, so persistent protein leakage may be a sign of kidney damage.
A urine albumin test can help determine whether excess albumin, a type of protein, is present.
Do not rely on the appearance of urine alone to diagnose a kidney problem. Persistent foaming should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other kidney disease risk factors.
3. Swelling in the Feet, Ankles, or Hands
When the kidneys cannot remove excess sodium and fluid effectively, fluid may accumulate in the body. This can cause swelling, known as edema.
You may notice swelling around your:
Feet and ankles.
Lower legs.
Hands or fingers.
Eyelids, particularly around the eyes.
Swelling can have many causes, including prolonged sitting, certain medications, heart problems, liver disease, and venous circulation problems. It is not a specific sign of kidney disease.
Seek medical assessment if swelling is persistent, unexplained, or getting worse. Sudden swelling accompanied by breathlessness or chest discomfort requires urgent medical attention.
4. Persistent Tiredness or Weakness
Feeling unusually tired or weak can occur in people with more advanced kidney disease. Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin, which helps the body make red blood cells.
When kidney function declines, reduced production of this hormone can contribute to anemia. Anemia may leave you feeling exhausted, weak, dizzy, or less able to carry out everyday activities.
Tiredness alone does not mean you have kidney disease. Poor sleep, iron deficiency, thyroid problems, diabetes, and many other conditions can cause similar symptoms.
If fatigue persists without a clear explanation, a healthcare professional can help determine whether blood tests or other investigations are needed.
5. Blood in the Urine
Blood in the urine, also called hematuria, can make urine look pink, red, or brown. Sometimes the amount is too small to see and can only be detected through testing.
Possible causes include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, kidney inflammation, and other urinary tract conditions. Some causes are more serious than others.
Visible blood in the urine should be assessed promptly, even if it happens only once or does not cause pain. Do not assume it is caused by kidney disease without an evaluation.
6. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure and kidney disease are closely connected. Persistent high blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels inside the kidneys, gradually affecting their ability to filter blood.
Kidney disease can also contribute to high blood pressure because the kidneys help regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.
This relationship can create a cycle in which one condition makes the other worse.
High blood pressure usually does not cause obvious symptoms, so measuring your blood pressure is more reliable than waiting to feel unwell. If you have high blood pressure, following your treatment plan and attending recommended kidney screening can help protect your health.
7. Nausea or Reduced Appetite
Nausea, loss of appetite, or an unpleasant taste in the mouth may occur in more advanced kidney disease, when waste products build up in the blood.
These symptoms are not usually reliable indicators of early kidney disease. They may also result from digestive problems, medication effects, infections, and other medical conditions.
If nausea or appetite loss persists, especially alongside swelling, reduced urination, or known kidney problems, seek medical advice.
8. Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps can occur for many reasons, including dehydration, muscle overuse, medication effects, and mineral imbalances.
In people with impaired kidney function, changes in fluid and electrolyte balance may contribute to muscle cramps, particularly in more advanced disease.
Occasional cramps are common and do not necessarily indicate a kidney problem. Frequent, severe, or unexplained cramps should be evaluated if they occur alongside other symptoms or known risk factors.
9. Itchy Skin
Persistent itching can sometimes occur in people with advanced chronic kidney disease. Changes in mineral balance and the buildup of certain substances in the body may contribute to this symptom.
However, itchy skin is much more commonly associated with other possible causes, such as dry skin, eczema, allergies, or medication reactions.
Itching by itself cannot confirm kidney disease. If it continues, spreads, or occurs with other unexplained symptoms, a healthcare professional can help identify the cause.
10. Shortness of Breath
Kidney disease may contribute to shortness of breath when excess fluid accumulates in the lungs or when anemia reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
Shortness of breath has many other possible causes, including heart and lung conditions, and should not automatically be attributed to the kidneys.
Seek emergency medical help for severe or sudden difficulty breathing, chest pain, fainting, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Can You Have Kidney Disease Without Symptoms?
Yes. Many people with early chronic kidney disease have no obvious warning signs and continue their normal daily activities.
Symptoms often become more noticeable only when kidney damage has progressed. Waiting for swelling, fatigue, or changes in urination before getting tested can therefore delay diagnosis.
Blood and urine tests can identify kidney abnormalities before noticeable symptoms develop. Screening is especially important for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or a family history of certain kidney conditions.
A healthcare professional can recommend the appropriate tests based on your health history and risk factors.
Who Is at Higher Risk of Kidney Disease?
Certain conditions and personal factors increase the likelihood of developing kidney disease.
Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease. Over time, persistently high blood glucose levels can damage the small blood vessels and filtering structures in the kidneys.
Kidney damage may develop without symptoms, which is why people with diabetes are generally advised to have regular kidney health assessments.
Keeping blood glucose within an individualized target range, following prescribed treatment, and attending recommended screenings can help reduce the risk of complications.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can damage kidney blood vessels over time. The risk may be greater when blood pressure remains uncontrolled for long periods.
Regular blood pressure monitoring, taking prescribed medication, and following a balanced lifestyle plan can help protect kidney health.
Family History of Kidney Disease
Some kidney conditions run in families. If a close relative has a hereditary kidney disorder or significant kidney disease, discuss your family history with a healthcare professional.
They can determine whether additional testing or monitoring is appropriate.
Heart and Blood Vessel Disease
Heart disease and kidney disease share several risk factors and can affect each other. Conditions that affect circulation, along with diabetes and high blood pressure, may increase the likelihood of kidney problems.
Managing these conditions can support overall cardiovascular and kidney health.
Older Age
Kidney function may change with age, and older adults are more likely to have conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease that increase kidney risk.
Age alone does not mean someone has kidney disease, but appropriate screening may be important depending on individual health circumstances.
Certain Medications and Other Health Conditions
Some medications can affect kidney function, particularly in people who already have kidney disease or become dehydrated. Regular or frequent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may pose a risk for some individuals.
Do not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice. Tell your healthcare professional about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements you use.
Certain autoimmune diseases, previous kidney injuries, kidney stones, and other medical conditions can also increase kidney disease risk.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Arrange a medical appointment if you experience persistent unexplained changes in urination, repeatedly foamy urine, ongoing swelling, blood in your urine, or unusual fatigue.
If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, ask your healthcare professional how often you should have your kidney function and urine checked, even when you feel well.
Seek urgent medical care for a major reduction in urine output, visible blood in the urine accompanied by severe pain or illness, or rapidly worsening swelling. Severe shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or confusion requires emergency assessment.
Early evaluation can help identify the cause of symptoms and determine whether treatment or follow-up testing is needed.
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How Is Kidney Disease Diagnosed?
Kidney disease cannot be diagnosed reliably from symptoms alone. Because early chronic kidney disease often causes no noticeable symptoms, blood and urine tests are important for identifying changes in kidney function.
Your healthcare professional may recommend one or more of the following tests based on your symptoms, medical history, and risk factors.
1. Blood Creatinine Test
Creatinine is a waste product produced by normal muscle activity. Healthy kidneys filter much of it out of the blood.
When kidney function decreases, blood creatinine levels may rise. However, creatinine levels can also be influenced by muscle mass, diet, certain medications, and other factors.
A creatinine result should therefore be interpreted alongside other clinical information rather than used alone to determine whether kidney disease is present.
2. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
The estimated glomerular filtration rate, commonly called eGFR, estimates how effectively your kidneys filter waste from the blood. It is usually calculated using blood creatinine along with factors such as age and sex.
A lower eGFR may indicate reduced kidney function.
| eGFR result | General interpretation |
|---|---|
| 90 or higher | Normal or high filtration; other evidence of kidney damage must be considered |
| 60–89 | Mildly reduced filtration; not necessarily kidney disease on its own |
| 45–59 | Moderately reduced filtration |
| 30–44 | Moderately to severely reduced filtration |
| 15–29 | Severely reduced filtration |
| Below 15 | Kidney failure range |
These values are measured in millilitres per minute per 1.73 square metres of body surface area. An eGFR below 60 that persists for at least three months can indicate chronic kidney disease. However, an eGFR of 60 or higher does not rule out kidney disease if other evidence of kidney damage is present.
A single abnormal result does not always establish chronic kidney disease. Your healthcare professional may repeat the test and review previous results to determine whether the change is persistent.
3. Urine Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (uACR)
Albumin is a protein normally found in the blood. Healthy kidneys generally prevent large amounts of albumin from leaking into the urine.
A urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio test measures the amount of albumin relative to creatinine in a urine sample. It can help identify kidney damage even when eGFR is relatively normal.
| Urine uACR | General category |
|---|---|
| Below 30 mg/g | Normal to mildly increased |
| 30–300 mg/g | Moderately increased |
| Above 300 mg/g | Severely increased |
Abnormal results may need confirmation because temporary factors, including strenuous exercise, fever, urinary tract infections, or high blood glucose, can affect urine albumin levels.
4. Urinalysis
A urinalysis examines a urine sample for abnormalities such as blood, protein, glucose, and signs of infection.
This test can help identify problems affecting the kidneys or urinary tract. However, the results need to be interpreted in context, and additional testing may be necessary.
5. Kidney Ultrasound
A kidney ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys and nearby structures. It may help identify kidney stones, blockages, cysts, changes in kidney size, or certain structural abnormalities.
Not everyone with suspected kidney disease needs an ultrasound. Your healthcare professional will decide whether imaging is appropriate based on your test results and symptoms.
What Is the Difference Between Acute Kidney Injury and Chronic Kidney Disease?
Kidney problems can develop suddenly or gradually. Understanding the difference is important because the causes, treatment, and urgency may vary.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Acute kidney injury is a sudden decline in kidney function that develops over hours or days. Possible causes include severe dehydration, serious infections, significant blood loss, urinary tract obstruction, and certain medication-related effects.
Symptoms depend on the cause and severity. Some people pass less urine, develop swelling, feel nauseated, or become confused. Others may have few obvious symptoms.
Acute kidney injury requires prompt medical assessment because some causes can be serious. Treatment focuses on identifying and correcting the underlying problem.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic kidney disease develops when kidney abnormalities or reduced kidney function persist for at least three months.
Common causes include diabetes and high blood pressure. Other causes include inherited conditions, autoimmune diseases, and certain long-term kidney disorders.
CKD often progresses slowly, and symptoms may not appear during its early stages. Treatment focuses on addressing the cause, controlling risk factors, monitoring kidney function, and reducing complications.
Acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease can sometimes occur together. A healthcare professional can distinguish between them using medical history, laboratory results, and other investigations.
How Can You Help Protect Your Kidneys?
Although not every kidney condition can be prevented, several healthy habits can help reduce risk and protect existing kidney function.
1. Keep Blood Sugar Within Your Target Range
If you have diabetes, managing blood glucose is important for protecting the small blood vessels in your kidneys.
Follow your prescribed treatment plan, attend recommended check-ups, and discuss your blood glucose targets with your healthcare professional. Do not change diabetes medication doses without medical advice.
Regular kidney screening is especially important for people with diabetes because kidney damage can develop without obvious symptoms.
2. Manage High Blood Pressure
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage kidney blood vessels over time. Check your blood pressure as recommended and take prescribed medication consistently.
Reducing excess dietary sodium, maintaining physical activity, and following an appropriate eating plan can support blood pressure management.
If you have kidney disease, your ideal blood pressure target may differ from that of someone without kidney problems. Ask your healthcare professional about your individual target.
3. Reduce Excess Salt Intake
Consuming too much sodium can contribute to high blood pressure and fluid retention.
Helpful steps include:
Limit highly salted packaged and processed foods.
Compare sodium levels on food labels.
Use herbs, spices, and lemon to add flavour instead of relying heavily on salt.
Reduce the amount of salt added during cooking and at the table.
People with certain kidney conditions may need additional dietary guidance. Salt substitutes containing potassium are not suitable for everyone with kidney disease, particularly those at risk of high blood potassium.
4. Stay Physically Active
Regular physical activity can help support blood pressure control, blood glucose management, and cardiovascular health.
Choose activities that fit your fitness level, such as walking, cycling, swimming, or other moderate exercise. If you have significant health problems or have been advised to restrict activity, consult your healthcare professional before making major changes.
5. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess body weight can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which are major risk factors for kidney disease.
Aim for sustainable eating and activity habits rather than extreme diets or rapid weight-loss plans. A registered dietitian or healthcare professional can help you choose an approach that fits your health needs.
6. Be Careful With Painkillers and Supplements
Some medicines can affect kidney function, particularly when taken frequently, at high doses, or during dehydration.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen, may increase kidney risks in certain people. Some herbal products and supplements may also affect kidney function or interact with medication.
Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist whether your medicines are appropriate for your kidney health, particularly if you already have kidney disease.
7. Drink Fluids According to Your Needs
Adequate fluid intake helps prevent dehydration, which can affect kidney function. However, drinking excessive amounts of water does not cleanse or repair damaged kidneys.
Fluid needs vary depending on activity, weather, medical conditions, and medications. People with advanced kidney disease or heart failure may need a specific fluid limit.
Follow your healthcare professional's advice rather than forcing yourself to drink a fixed amount regardless of your circumstances.
8. Avoid Smoking
Smoking can damage blood vessels and increase cardiovascular risk. Because kidney health is closely connected to blood vessel health, quitting smoking is a useful step toward protecting your overall health.
If you smoke, ask your healthcare professional about evidence-based ways to quit.
What Should You Eat for Better Kidney Health?
There is no single diet that prevents or treats every type of kidney disease. The most suitable eating plan depends on your kidney function, blood pressure, blood glucose, blood potassium levels, and other medical needs.
For many people, a balanced eating pattern includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, suitable protein sources, and foods lower in excess sodium.
However, people with advanced kidney disease may need to adjust their intake of potassium, phosphorus, protein, or fluids. Some foods that are healthy for one person may need to be limited by another person with particular kidney complications.
Do not automatically eliminate bananas, tomatoes, dairy products, beans, or other nutritious foods simply because you are concerned about kidney disease. Ask a healthcare professional or renal dietitian whether you need any specific dietary restrictions.
Can Kidney Disease Be Reversed?
Whether kidney damage can be reversed depends on its cause and severity.
Some causes of acute kidney injury can improve significantly when identified and treated promptly. Chronic kidney disease, however, usually involves lasting changes in kidney function or structure.
Although established chronic kidney damage generally cannot be completely reversed, appropriate treatment can often slow progression, manage complications, and help preserve remaining kidney function.
Treatment may include controlling blood pressure and blood glucose, addressing the underlying condition, adjusting certain medications, and using kidney-protective medicines when appropriate.
Do not rely on detox drinks, herbal remedies, or supplements that promise to cleanse or repair the kidneys. Discuss any product with a healthcare professional before using it, especially if you have diabetes or known kidney problems.
How Often Should You Get Your Kidneys Checked?
The frequency of kidney testing depends on your health history, risk factors, and previous results.
People with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or a history of kidney problems may need regular monitoring. People with diagnosed chronic kidney disease may require more frequent blood and urine tests depending on the stage and rate of progression.
For many people with diabetes, kidney screening includes both an eGFR blood test and a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. These tests provide different but complementary information.
Ask your healthcare professional which tests you need and when they should be repeated. Do not wait for symptoms if you have been advised to undergo regular kidney screening.
Urgent Warning Signs of Kidney Problems: When to Seek Medical Help
Although chronic kidney disease often develops without obvious symptoms, some warning signs may indicate a serious kidney or urinary tract problem that requires urgent medical attention.
Seek Emergency Medical Care Immediately If You Experience:
Severe or sudden shortness of breath: This may indicate fluid buildup in the lungs or another serious heart or lung problem.
Chest pain, fainting, or severe confusion: These symptoms may indicate a medical emergency and should not be attributed to kidney disease without evaluation.
A sudden, major reduction or complete absence of urine: This may indicate acute kidney injury or a urinary tract blockage, particularly if accompanied by illness or pain.
Rapidly worsening swelling with breathing difficulties: Significant fluid retention can sometimes be dangerous, especially when breathing becomes difficult.
Persistent vomiting with severe weakness or confusion: These symptoms may indicate serious dehydration, an electrolyte disturbance, or another urgent medical condition.
Fever with severe side or back pain, especially with vomiting or difficulty urinating: This may indicate a serious kidney infection or an obstructed urinary tract.
Call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department if you experience severe symptoms. Do not delay care while waiting for a routine appointment or trying home remedies.
When Should You Arrange a Prompt Medical Appointment?
Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you notice blood in your urine, persistent foamy urine, new or worsening swelling, unexplained changes in urination, or ongoing fatigue. These symptoms do not always indicate kidney disease, but they may need investigation.
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or previously abnormal kidney test results, ask about appropriate blood and urine testing even when you feel well.
Important: Symptoms alone cannot confirm or rule out kidney disease. Early chronic kidney disease may cause no noticeable symptoms, so appropriate screening and medical assessment are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Disease
1. What are the first signs of kidney disease?
Early kidney disease often causes no noticeable symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include changes in urination, persistent foamy urine, swelling in the feet or ankles, and unexplained fatigue. Blood and urine tests can detect kidney problems before symptoms appear.
2. Can kidney disease develop without symptoms?
Yes. Many people with early chronic kidney disease feel completely normal. This is why screening is important for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, or other kidney disease risk factors.
3. What are the main causes of kidney disease?
Diabetes and high blood pressure are two major causes of chronic kidney disease. Other causes include inherited kidney conditions, autoimmune diseases, certain infections, urinary tract obstructions, and some medication-related kidney injuries.
4. Does foamy urine mean kidney disease?
Not necessarily. Urine may occasionally appear foamy because of a strong urine stream or concentrated urine. However, persistent foamy urine can sometimes indicate protein leakage. A urine albumin test can help determine whether further evaluation is needed.
5. Can kidney disease cause swelling in the feet?
Yes. Reduced kidney function can contribute to fluid retention, causing swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, or around the eyes. However, heart disease, liver problems, certain medications, and circulation issues can also cause swelling.
6. Which tests check kidney function?
Common tests include a blood creatinine test, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR). A healthcare professional may also recommend urinalysis, imaging, or additional investigations depending on the results and symptoms.
7. Can diabetes damage the kidneys?
Yes. Persistently elevated blood glucose can damage the kidneys' filtering structures over time. People with diabetes should follow their treatment plan and ask their healthcare professional about regular eGFR and urine albumin testing.
8. Can kidney disease be reversed?
It depends on the cause. Some forms of acute kidney injury may improve when the underlying problem is treated promptly. Chronic kidney disease usually involves lasting damage, but appropriate treatment can often slow progression and reduce complications.
9. How can I protect my kidneys naturally?
Helpful steps include managing blood sugar and blood pressure, reducing excess sodium, staying physically active, avoiding smoking, and using medicines appropriately. There is no proven detox drink that cleanses or repairs damaged kidneys. People with diagnosed kidney disease may need individualized dietary and fluid advice.
10. When should I seek urgent medical attention?
Seek emergency care for severe or sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, severe confusion, or a sudden major reduction or complete absence of urine. Fever with severe side or back pain, particularly with vomiting or difficulty urinating, also requires urgent assessment.
Key Takeaways
Early chronic kidney disease often causes no obvious symptoms.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are major risk factors for kidney damage.
Persistent foamy urine, blood in the urine, unexplained swelling, and changes in urination may require medical evaluation.
Blood creatinine, eGFR, and urine albumin tests help assess kidney health.
Kidney disease cannot be diagnosed from symptoms alone.
Managing blood glucose, blood pressure, and excess sodium intake can help protect kidney health.
Avoid unproven kidney detox products and discuss medicines or supplements with a healthcare professional.
Severe breathing difficulties, chest pain, confusion, or a sudden major reduction in urine output require urgent medical attention.
Conclusion
Kidney disease can develop gradually and remain unnoticed during its early stages. Although symptoms such as swelling, changes in urination, persistent foamy urine, and unusual fatigue may indicate a problem, many people experience no warning signs until kidney damage has progressed.
The best way to protect your kidney health is to understand your risk factors and seek appropriate screening when recommended. Blood and urine tests can identify changes that symptoms alone may not reveal.
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a history of kidney problems, speak with your healthcare professional about regular kidney function testing. Healthy lifestyle habits, appropriate medication, and early medical care can help slow kidney disease progression and reduce complications.
Remember, you do not have to wait for symptoms to appear before checking your kidney health.
Related Articles
- Why Is My Urine Foamy? Causes & When to See a Doctor
- Why Do I Wake Up to Urinate at Night? Common Causes & What to Do
- High Blood Pressure: Symptoms, Causes & What Your Numbers Mean
- Diabetes and Kidney Disease: Early Warning Signs, Tests & Prevention
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kidney disease and other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms, and only appropriate medical assessment and testing can help determine the cause. Do not start, stop, or change prescribed medications based on this article. Seek emergency medical attention for severe or sudden warning signs.
References
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckdNational Kidney Foundation. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/chronic-kidney-disease-ckdNational Kidney Foundation. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR).
https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/estimated-glomerular-filtration-rate-egfrNational Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Chronic Kidney Disease: Assessment and Management.
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng203Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Chronic Kidney Disease Basics.
https://www.cdc.gov/kidney-disease/about/index.html
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