One of the most important facts about chronic kidney disease is that it is often **silent in its early stages**.
A person can lose significant kidney function without noticing obvious symptoms.
As CKD progresses, possible symptoms can include:
* Fatigue
* Trouble concentrating
* Loss of appetite
* Nausea
* Changes in urination
* Foamy urine
* Muscle cramps
* Swelling
* Dry or itchy skin
* Shortness of breath
That is why relying on skin appearance alone is not a good way to detect kidney disease.
## Who Should Be Especially Aware of Kidney Health?
