Recognizing the Symptoms of Kidney Failure

7. Shortness of breath

Kidney failure often results in shortness of breath, but the causes vary. Anemia is a common culprit; it reduces oxygen levels, so even mild exercise makes it difficult to breathe. In people with pulmonary edema, shortness of breath increases as fluid fills the air sacs in the lungs. The same thing can happen with heart failure that results from CKD and kidney failure. As the heart pumps less effectively, fluid accumulates in the lungs.