17 signs of kidney trouble you can see—don’t ignore #3!
Signs You Can See
17. Foamy Urine
If you notice a persistent layer of dense white foam in your urine, similar to the head on a beer, it could be a sign. This often means a protein called albumin is leaking from your blood into your urine. Normally, the tiny filters in your kidneys, called glomeruli, are too narrow for large proteins like albumin to pass through. However, when these filters get damaged, they can develop gaps, allowing albumin to leak out. Albumin has a soap-like quality, which is why it creates foam.
16. Swelling (Edema)
To check for swelling, gently press your thumb into your lower shin bone for about 5 seconds. If it leaves an indent, it’s called pitting edema. This can happen when your kidneys aren’t filtering properly and you lose albumin in your urine. Lower albumin levels in your blood mean less fluid is held inside your blood vessels. This fluid can then leak into your tissues, causing swelling, often in the legs, feet, or around the eyes. While standing all day can cause mild swelling that improves overnight, persistent or worsening swelling, especially around the eyes, could be kidney-related.
15. Peeing a Lot at Night (Nocturia)
Contrary to the myth that peeing a lot means healthy kidneys, the ability to concentrate urine is key. When kidneys struggle, they lose this ability. If you find yourself getting up multiple times a night to urinate, a condition called nocturia, it could be an early sign of kidney disease.
14. Half and Half Nails
Take a look at your nails. Normally, the base of your nail (the lunula) is lighter. However, in some people with chronic kidney disease, the top half of the nail appears pink or brown, while the bottom half is white. These are called half and half nails, and while the exact cause isn’t known, there’s a strong link to kidney issues.
13, 12. Calcinosis Cutis and Artery Calcification
When kidneys can’t get rid of excess phosphate, levels in the blood rise. Phosphate can bind with calcium, forming crystals. If these crystals deposit in the skin, it’s called calcinosis cutis, appearing as hard, painless, whitish-yellow bumps. More concerning, these crystals can deposit in blood vessels, making them hard and less flexible. This artery calcification can be seen on X-rays as the arteries become visible, feeling like a guitar string under the skin. High phosphate also affects calcium levels, which can lead to muscle cramps.
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