The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste, balancing electrolytes, and producing hormones that regulate blood pressure and red blood cell production. Diabetes and high blood pressure are leading risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Other causes include glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, recurrent kidney infections, and long-term misuse of certain medications.
As kidney function declines, symptoms may appear, but they often go unnoticed or are mistaken for other conditions. Early recognition of these warning signs can help with timely intervention and prevent further damage.
Here are 5 morning symptoms that could indicate kidney damage:
Facial Swelling
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, morning facial swelling can be linked to kidney disease. Puffy eyelids and a swollen face upon waking are typical signs of kidney-related edema. In individuals with nephrotic syndrome, the kidneys leak albumin into the urine. Low blood albumin reduces plasma colloid osmotic pressure, causing fluid to accumulate in soft tissues, resulting in bags under the eyes or mild swelling around the eye sockets after a night's sleep.
Sodium retention due to kidney disease further increases the amount of water in the body. Swelling often spreads to the ankles and feet by the end of the day.
Foamy or bubbly urine
Excessive, non-dissolving foamy urine often reflects excess protein (proteinuria)—an early sign of glomerular damage. Transient foam can occur due to dehydration, urgent urination, or toilet cleaners, but persistent foamy urine warrants a kidney function check.
Excessively dry and itchy skin
Decreased kidney function can lead to the buildup of urea toxins. Increased inflammation, peripheral neuropathy, and mineral disorders (high phosphorus levels) all contribute to persistent, often symmetrical itching (back, arms). The itching is typically worse at night and only partially relieved by moisturizers, unlike ordinary dry skin.
Brain fog
Cognitive changes, such as brain fog, are common as chronic kidney disease progresses. Treating anemia and managing risk factors for chronic kidney disease can improve energy and cognitive function. Persistent brain fog accompanied by other signs of kidney disease requires prompt evaluation.
Persistent bad breath
Various factors can cause morning breath, such as dry mouth and poor oral hygiene. However, damaged kidneys can also cause persistent bad breath because they cannot filter urea and other waste products from the blood.
As these toxins accumulate, they are broken down by bacteria in the mouth and on the tongue into ammonia and other foul-smelling chemicals, which are then exhaled through the lungs. This ammonia breath is a characteristic symptom of declining kidney function. Especially when accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, fatigue, itching, and swelling, it can warn of progressing kidney failure.
Bao Bao (According to Times of India)
