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915 S. Laredo St.
San Antonio, TX. 78204

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Phone: 210-277-1418
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Is Something Wrong With My Kidneys? Early Detection of CKD, Tests, Red Flags, and Reassurance

by | Jan 10, 2026 | Uncategorized

Worried about your kidneys? You are not alone. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is common, often silent at first, and very treatable when caught early.

At Kidney Hypertension Transplant Specialists (KHS) in San Antonio and Devine, our board-certified nephrologists and caring team provide kidney care with beyond passion. This guide explains early signs, the key tests your clinician may order, what can temporarily skew results, medicines that stress the kidneys, and when it is time to see a kidney specialist.

How to Know if Something Is Wrong With Your Kidneys

Your kidneys filter blood, balance fluids and electrolytes, regulate blood pressure, and help make red blood cells. Because they work quietly, problems can progress without obvious symptoms.

Common Early Warning Signs

  • Swelling in ankles, feet, or around the eyes

  • Foamy or bubbly urine that persists

  • New or increased nighttime urination

  • Fatigue, brain fog, or low energy

  • New-onset or worsening high blood pressure

Other red flags include flank pain that does not behave like muscle pain, nausea, itching, muscle cramps, and poor appetite. These symptoms can have many causes — do not panic, but do get tested.

The Three Earliest Warning Signs

In plain language, the earliest clues are:

  1. Rising blood pressure

  2. Protein (albumin) leaking into urine on a uACR test

  3. A declining eGFR on repeat bloodwork

If you have diabetes, hypertension, are over 60, or have a family history of kidney disease, ask about routine screening.

The Five Signs Your Kidneys May Not Be Working Properly

  1. Persistent swelling in legs or around the eyes

  2. Foamy or visibly changed urine for several days

  3. Fatigue with poor appetite

  4. Elevated blood pressure on repeated readings

  5. Worsening shortness of breath

These are signals to test — not diagnoses.

The Biggest Indicator of Kidney Disease

The most important markers are:

  • eGFR trends over time

  • Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR)

CKD is defined by abnormalities lasting three months or longer. Persistent albumin in the urine or eGFR below 60 should prompt nephrology care.

What Tests Check Kidney Function?

Most patients need only a few essential tests:

  • Creatinine and eGFR

  • Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR)

  • Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)

  • Urinalysis

  • Blood pressure measurements

Additional tests may include anemia studies, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, or imaging if needed.

What Can Throw Off a Creatinine Test?

Temporary changes may occur due to:

  • Dehydration

  • Vomiting or diarrhea

  • Heavy exercise in the past 24–48 hours

  • High-protein meals or protein shakes

  • Creatine or herbal supplements

  • NSAIDs or other medications

  • Recent contrast dye

Unexpected results are often rechecked after hydration and rest.

Can Kidney Function Improve?

Yes.

  • Acute kidney injury (AKI) may recover when the cause is removed

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is managed to slow or stop progression

Early action makes the biggest difference.

When to See a Nephrologist

You should see a kidney specialist if:

  • uACR remains elevated

  • eGFR stays below 60

  • Blood pressure is difficult to control

  • You have diabetes, hypertension, or family history

  • You had AKI or contrast exposure

  • You are pregnant with abnormal kidney labs

CKD Stages (Simplified)

  • Stages 1–2: eGFR ≥ 60 with kidney markers

  • Stage 3a: 45–59

  • Stage 3b: 30–44

  • Stage 4: 15–29

  • Stage 5: <15 (dialysis or transplant planning)

Medications That Can Affect Kidneys

Use caution with:

  • NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)

  • Some antibiotics and antivirals

  • Long-term PPIs

  • CT contrast dyes

  • Herbal supplements

ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and diuretics often protect kidneys long term when properly monitored.

What You Can Do Now

  • Monitor blood pressure

  • Control blood sugar

  • Stay hydrated

  • Limit sodium

  • Avoid daily NSAIDs

  • Stay active and sleep well

How KHS Helps — With Beyond Passion

We offer personalized nephrology care, hypertension management, dialysis education, and transplant coordination.

  • Nephrologists in San Antonio

  • Nephrologist in Alamo Heights

  • Dialysis Clinic San Antonio

Preparing for Your First Visit

Bring:

  • ID and insurance

  • Medication and supplement list

  • Recent labs

  • Blood pressure or glucose logs

  • Your questions

📍 915 S. Laredo St., San Antonio, TX 78204
📞 210-277-1418
📧 info@kidney-specialists.com

Summary & Reassurance

Swelling, foamy urine, fatigue, nighttime urination, and rising blood pressure deserve testing — not panic. Simple labs like uACR and eGFR tell the story. Kidney function can improve, and CKD can often be stabilized with early care.

At Kidney Hypertension Transplant Specialists, we protect your kidneys with compassion — and beyond passion.