Publish Date
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March 04, 2025
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Those with kidney disease tend not to experience symptoms until the very late stages, when the kidneys are failing

Kidney diseases affect more than 10 per cent of the world's population, which is around 850 million people. However, according to experts, most of them do not even know that they have it. While there are several physical signs of kidney disease, sometimes people attribute them to other conditions. Those with kidney disease tend not to experience symptoms until the very late stages, when the kidneys are failing or when there are large amounts of protein in the urine.
So, how do you know that your kidneys are not working properly? Here are the top signs you may experience in your body late at night that indicate something wrong with your kidneys.

Excessive nighttime urination

Also known as nocturia, frequent and excessive nighttime peeing can be a major sign of kidney damage. According to experts, it happens as damaged kidneys start showing difficulty concentrating urine, which causes the need to pee more often, especially at night.
However, you must always consult your doctor first to determine the actual cause as many other smaller factors like excessive fluid intake or urinary tract infections have similar symptoms.

Swelling in hands and feet

When you lie down at night and notice unusual swelling and inflammation in your hands and feet, do not take it lightly.
Swollen fingers, toes, and ankles may not be painful but can be a warning sign of kidney damage. According to doctors, it may happen since kidneys play a crucial role in balancing sodium and fluids when they are not functioning well, which can lead to fluid accumulation in the body. It causes unusual swelling and discomfort, which should not be ignored.

Rashes in skin

When your kidneys are not able to remove waste from your body, a rash develops, which can be itchy and painful. Doctors say rashes also occur in those who have end-stage kidney disease, leading to small, dome-shaped, and extremely itchy bumps.
As these bumps clear, new ones begin to form immediately. Many times, these bumps join together to form rough, raised patches, which can be discomforting as well.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, those who have end-stage kidney disease develop blisters, which can form on their
  • Hands
  • Face
  • Feet
The blisters will open, dry up, and crust over. As they clear, scars appear.

Ammonia breath

Even when you brush at night and can feel ammonia breath and a metallic taste in your mouth, it is time to see a doctor. According to experts, when waste builds up in the blood, the condition is known as uremia. It makes food taste different and causes bad breath.
Doctors say that if it continues, the condition can also make your favourite foods difficult to eat.

Fatigue

When you finish the day and get over with all your work, it should be bliss to finally rest in your bed. However, if you feel more fatigued, there is something wrong with your health.
Doctors say healthy kidneys produce a hormone known as erythropoietin—that signals your body to produce red blood cells. As your kidneys begin to fail, they produce less of it, and your body produces fewer red blood cells. Not having enough red blood cells can lead to anemia, which occurs when your brain lacks oxygen.
You may also notice that you feel more mentally exhausted than normal or that you are having trouble with your memory and concentration.

What should you do to prevent kidney damage symptoms?

According to experts, it is easier to successfully treat kidney disease when it is detected early. To slow down the progression of kidney damage, your doctor would determine what the underlying cause is. If kidney disease progresses, it can lead to kidney failure, which may require either dialysis or a transplant to survive.
While all of the symptoms are potential warning signs of kidney disease, the only way to know for sure is to seek a doctor’s opinion and get tested. The sooner you recognize symptoms and notify a professional, the sooner you can get diagnosed and start slowing down the progression of your kidney disease.
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