According to the National Kidney Foundation, almost 20 million adult Americans have chronic kidney disease (1 in 9 adults) and another 20 million are at an increased risk for developing it. Over time, chronic kidney failure can lead to congestive heart failure, weak bones, stomach ulcers, and damage to the central nervous system. Unfortunately, signs and symptoms often don't appear until irreversible damage has occurred.

Signs and symptoms may include:

• Abnormal urine tests
• High blood pressure
• Unexplained weight loss
• Anemia
• Nausea or vomiting
• Malaise or fatigue
• Headaches that seem unrelated to any other cause
• Decreased urine output
• Decreased mental sharpness
• Muscle twitches and cramps
• Bleeding in the intestinal tract
• Yellowish-brown cast to the skin
• Unusual itching
• Sleep disorders