More than 800 million people worldwide are affected by kidney-related conditions, yet the disease often progresses silently until serious damage has already occurred. Recognizing the early warning signs can make a critical difference — but most people are unaware of them. Here are the 10 key symptoms to watch for, and what you can do to protect your kidneys.

In brief
- —Over 800 million people worldwide affected by kidney disease
- —Half of dialysis patients only learn of their condition after kidney failure
- —10 early symptoms identified, from fatigue to changes in urination
A silent disease affecting over 800 million people
Kidney disease is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions globally. The kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from the bloodstream, regulate mineral levels, support red blood cell production, and help maintain blood pressure — all without any sensation that would alert their owner to a problem.

