Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, located on either side of the spine, that filter waste and excess water from the blood, which is then excreted as urine.

They also regulate the balance of electrolytes, produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and help produce red blood cells. When your kidneys are unhealthy, waste builds up in your body, leading to serious health problems. Here are 10 warning signs your kidneys are in danger:.

1. Changes in Urination

One of the earliest warning signs of kidney damage is changes in urination. This can include:.

Needing to urinate more frequently
Difficulty urinating
Pain or burning during urination
Blood in the urine
Foamy or bubbly urine

If you notice any changes in your or your child’s urine, it’s important to see a doctor right away.

2. Swelling

When your kidneys aren’t functioning properly, they can’t remove excess fluid from the body, leading to swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, face, or hands. This swelling can be a sign of kidney disease, heart failure, or liver disease.

3. Fatigue

If you’re feeling tired all the time, it could be a sign that your kidneys are in danger.

When the kidneys aren’t working properly, waste products build up in the body, leading to anemia, a condition in which the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. This can cause fatigue and weakness.

4. Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath can be a sign of kidney disease, especially if it’s accompanied by swelling in the legs or ankles. This is because excess fluid in the body can build up in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

5. Metallic Taste in the Mouth

If you’re experiencing a metallic taste in your mouth, it could be a sign of kidney damage. This is because waste products build up in your blood, which can alter your sense of taste and cause bad breath.

6. Nausea and Vomiting

When your kidneys are in danger, waste products can build up in the body, leading to nausea and vomiting. This is because the kidneys aren’t able to remove enough waste products from the body.

7. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can be a sign of kidney disease, as the kidneys help regulate blood pressure. When the kidneys are damaged, they can’t perform this function effectively, leading to high blood pressure.

8. Back Pain

Back pain can be a sign of kidney disease, especially if it’s located in the upper back, just below the rib cage. This is where the kidneys are located, and pain in this area can be a sign that they’re not functioning properly.

9. Itching

When waste products build up in the body, they can cause itching of the skin. This can be a sign of kidney damage or failure.

10. Diabetes or High Blood Pressure

People with diabetes or high blood pressure are at a higher risk of developing kidney disease. If you have either of these conditions, it’s important to get your kidney function checked regularly.