Kidney disease often develops quietly. Many adults live with reduced kidney function without realising it, because the early symptoms are easy to blame on a busy week, poor sleep or getting older. By the time symptoms become obvious, the disease has often progressed. According to public health data, only around 10% of people with chronic kidney disease are aware they have it.
The good news is that a simple GP review — including a blood pressure check, a blood test and a urine test — can pick up the warning signs early. If you live in southern Sydney, you can book a check-up with your local team at Life Medical Clinic – Botany to discuss your kidney health.
What are the early signs of kidney disease?
If you are watching for kidney trouble, these are the 10 signs you may have kidney disease most commonly reported by patients.
1. Extreme tiredness, low energy and trouble concentrating
When kidney function declines, toxins and impurities build up in the blood. This can cause fatigue, weakness and difficulty concentrating. Reduced kidney function can also contribute to anaemia, which makes tiredness worse.
2. Insomnia or trouble sleeping
Toxins that healthy kidneys would normally filter out can disturb sleep. People with chronic kidney disease also have higher rates of sleep apnoea, which fragments sleep and leaves you exhausted the next day.
3. Itchy, dry skin
When the kidneys cannot maintain the right balance of minerals and nutrients in the blood, urea can accumulate and cause itchy, dry, scaly skin. Persistent itch may also signal mineral and bone disease, a complication of more advanced kidney problems.
4. Changes in how often you urinate
A noticeable increase in the urge to urinate, particularly at night, can be an early warning sign. Pay attention if your urine looks bubbly, frothy or red — these changes can point to protein or blood leaking through damaged filters.
5. Blood in the urine
If the kidney’s filtration process is damaged, blood cells can leak into the urine. Blood in the urine can also be a sign of kidney stones, infection or a tumour, so it should always be reviewed by a GP.
6. Foamy urine
Excessive bubbles in the urine usually mean too much protein is being passed. Healthy kidneys keep protein in the blood, so foamy urine is a strong reason to arrange a check-up.
7. Persistently puffy eyes
When albumin, an important blood protein, leaks into the urine instead of staying in the bloodstream, fluid can collect around the eyes. Ongoing puffiness, especially in the morning, can be an early kidney clue.
8. Swollen feet and ankles
When the kidneys cannot clear excess sodium effectively, the body retains fluid. This commonly shows up as swelling in the feet, ankles and lower legs.
9. Loss of appetite
A build-up of waste products in the blood can dull appetite and cause a metallic taste. Unexplained loss of appetite, particularly alongside other symptoms on this list, is worth discussing with your GP.
10. Muscle cramps
Impaired kidney function disturbs electrolyte balance. Low calcium, abnormal phosphorus, and shifts in potassium and magnesium can all trigger muscle cramps and aches.
Bonus sign: shortness of breath
If the kidneys cannot remove excess water, fluid can collect in the lungs and make it harder to breathe. New or worsening breathlessness should be reviewed promptly.
Who is at higher risk?
You are at higher risk of kidney disease if you have a family history of kidney failure, diabetes or high blood pressure. Adults over 60 should consider a thorough kidney check each year. A GP-led annual health check is a practical way to review these risk factors in one appointment.
Managing related conditions early also lowers the load on your kidneys. Our team supports patients with diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and offers structured Chronic Disease Management Plans for eligible patients through Medicare.
What about kidney failure?
If kidney function drops below roughly 15% of normal, doctors describe this as kidney failure. Waste products and excess fluid build up in the body, and symptoms become more serious. Treatment options include haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplant.
Symptoms of kidney failure can include:
- Decreased urine output
- Fluid retention causing swelling of the legs, ankles and feet
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Chest pain or pressure
- In severe cases, seizures or coma
When should you see a GP about kidney disease?
If you notice one or more of the 10 signs you may have kidney disease — especially if you also live with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease — book a GP review. Think of it as five minutes that could keep you out of hospital. Your GP can order blood and urine tests, review your medicines, and refer you to a kidney specialist (nephrologist) if needed. Please note that specialist appointments in Australia generally involve an upfront fee with a partial Medicare rebate and an out-of-pocket gap payment.
Staying well also means keeping on top of everyday health. For a broader check of your overall wellbeing, see our guide to a winter health assessment in Botany. If tiredness is your main concern after recent pathology, our article on fatigue after a blood test may also help.
Frequently asked questions
Can kidney disease be reversed?
Some causes of acute kidney injury can improve with prompt treatment, but chronic kidney disease is usually managed rather than cured. Early detection through blood and urine tests gives the best chance of slowing progression. Speak with your GP about the right monitoring plan for you.
What tests does a GP use to check kidney function?
A standard kidney review usually includes a blood test to measure creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), a urine test to check for protein or blood, and a blood pressure check. Your GP may also review your medicines and family history.
How often should I get my kidneys checked?
If you are generally well, your GP will advise based on your age and risk factors. Adults over 60, and anyone with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease, are often reviewed annually. Your GP can confirm the right interval for you.
Does high blood pressure cause kidney disease?
High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease. It damages the small blood vessels inside the kidneys over time, which is why blood pressure monitoring is a routine part of any kidney review at your GP.
