Most people don’t think about their kidneys until something goes wrong. These two small organs quietly do the big job of filtering waste, balancing fluids, and keeping your body running smoothly. But when they start to struggle, the warning signs can be subtle and easy to miss.

That’s why understanding early symptoms of kidney trouble is so important. Catching problems early can make a big difference in preventing further damage and protecting your health.

At Hereford Regional Medical Center (HRMC), our nephrology and inpatient dialysis program was designed with one goal in mind: to help patients recognize, treat, and manage kidney disease close to home.

1. You’re More Tired Than Usual

When kidneys aren’t working properly, toxins build up in the blood. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and difficulty concentrating. If you feel unusually tired even after a good night’s sleep, it may be a sign your kidneys aren’t filtering as they should.

2. Swelling in Your Ankles, Feet, or Hands

Healthy kidneys remove extra fluid and salt from your body. If they’re struggling, you may notice swelling (edema) in your legs, ankles, feet, or hands. Persistent swelling — especially if it gets worse throughout the day — is worth getting checked out.

3. Changes in Urination

Pay attention to any change in your urination patterns. This can include:

• Foamy or bubbly urine (a sign of excess protein)
• Getting up frequently at night
• Urine that’s darker or lighter than usual
• Pain or difficulty urinating

Even small changes can indicate a bigger problem, so don’t ignore them.

4. Persistent Puffiness Around Your Eyes

Early kidney damage can cause protein to leak into your urine — which sometimes first appears as puffiness around the eyes. If that morning puffiness doesn’t go away or feels worse than usual, it may be time to schedule a check-up.

5. Shortness of Breath

When kidneys can’t remove extra fluid, it can build up in the lungs and make it harder to breathe. Shortness of breath or a feeling of tightness in your chest could be a sign of fluid buildup that needs immediate attention.

6. High Blood Pressure That’s Hard to Control

High blood pressure can both cause and worsen kidney disease. If your blood pressure is consistently elevated despite treatment, your kidneys may be part of the problem.

Why Early Detection Matters

“The sooner we can detect kidney problems, the more we can do to protect function and slow progression,” said Kay Gudgell, CNO, MSN, RN at Hereford Regional Medical Center. “Regular checkups, blood pressure management, and lab monitoring are key — especially for patients with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease.”

That’s part of why HRMC expanded its inpatient nephrology and dialysis service line, bringing advanced kidney care directly to Hereford.

“With our new inpatient dialysis and nephrology services, patients who once had to be transferred for specialized kidney care can now stay here, surrounded by family and the care team they already know and trust,” Gudgell added.

When to See a Provider

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above — or if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease — it’s time to schedule a checkup. Simple blood and urine tests can detect kidney issues early, often before symptoms become severe.

Hereford Regional Medical Center’s Hereford Health Clinic provides comprehensive wellness checks and can refer you for further nephrology evaluation when needed.

Protect Your Kidneys. Protect Your Health.

You don’t have to wait until something feels wrong to take care of your kidneys.
Stay hydrated, maintain a balanced diet, avoid smoking, and keep your blood pressure in check — and see your provider regularly.

At HRMC, we’re here to help you do just that — close to home, with expert care and the latest technology supporting your journey.

To learn more about HRMC’s inpatient nephrology and dialysis services, visit dschd.org/our-services/nephrology.