What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

Depends on the cause: There are dozens of causes of kidney disease; some are limited to the kidneys themselves, while others are associated with other systems in the body. Chronic kidney disease may have no symptoms and can only be determined by laboratory testing. Other types may range from minor symptoms to major illnesses, and need to be evaluated by a kidney specialist, often along with other health care providers.

Often no symptoms: Early kidney disease may not have any symptoms. For example, in diabetes, we check for micro-albumin (a protein ) in the urine. Patients don't feel it. If it's present, it suggests diabetic kidney disease.

Needs lab: Kidney failure is difficult to diagnose without laboratory test. The main clinical symptoms are loss of appetite, nausea, swelling, and sometimes itching. If you suspect that you have kidney disease, i suggest you see your physician when possible.