Why Some Kidney Disease Symptoms Get Worse During Cold Weather

As temperatures drop in Detroit and the first frosty mornings arrive, many people prepare for dry skin and sniffles. But if you’re living with kidney disease, cold weather can bring more than minor discomfort, as it can make symptoms flare or feel harder to manage.

Your kidneys work quietly behind the scenes, filtering waste, balancing fluids, and regulating blood pressure. When temperatures fall, certain body changes can add extra strain, making fatigue, swelling, and other issues more noticeable.

At Deon D. Middlebrook, MDPC, our team provides personalized treatment and kidney disease management tailored to your specific needs. Understanding how cold affects your kidneys can help you stay one step ahead this winter.

Take a moment to better understand why some kidney disease symptoms get worse with colder weather. 

How cold weather affects kidney disease symptoms

Cold temperatures cause your blood vessels to tighten, raising your blood pressure and making your kidneys filter under higher pressure. This process, called vasoconstriction, can temporarily stress your kidneys and increase swelling.

You may also experience cold diuresis, where your body pushes more blood through the kidneys to balance temperature. This may increase urination and lead to dehydration, especially if you’re drinking less water in winter. 

When you combine urinating more often with dry indoor air and less thirst due to colder temperatures, even mild dehydration can throw off your electrolyte balance, affecting your kidneys.

Colder months also bring more colds and respiratory infections, which can worsen kidney function for people with chronic kidney disease. Illnesses, inflammation, and certain medications used to treat infections can also contribute to additional kidney strain.

Lower temperatures and dry indoor air may reduce blood flow to your extremities. This can leave you feeling colder and more fatigued, which in turn can cause symptoms to feel worse.

When you put this all together, for those already managing chronic kidney disease, these combined effects can make familiar symptoms (such as fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination) feel more intense or frequent. 

Protecting your kidney health in cold weather

When temperatures drop, small daily changes can help prevent symptom flare-ups and protect your kidney health. Here are some of our most effective tips:

Stay hydrated

Even if you don’t feel thirsty, your body still needs fluids. Try to drink enough water throughout the day (within Dr. Middlebrook’s recommended limit) to keep your kidneys filtering.

Monitor blood pressure

Cold weather can raise your blood pressure without clear warning signs. Regularly checking your numbers allows Dr. Middlebrook to adjust your medication or diet before bigger issues develop.

Keep yourself warm

Dress in layers and keep your core, hands, and feet warm whenever you head outside. Maintaining a steady body temperature reduces unnecessary strain on your blood vessels and kidneys.

Keep up with your labs

Routine blood work helps Dr. Middlebrook spot changes in your kidney function sooner rather than later. During winter, ask whether you should have labs checked more often to monitor functionality.

Manage other conditions

Other health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or anemia, can make cold-weather kidney stress worse. Keeping those under control lightens the workload on your kidneys.

Do your best to prevent infections

Staying up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccines, practicing good hand hygiene, and treating any colds or respiratory infections as soon as they arise are good ways to protect your kidneys from the extra stress illnesses bring. 

Don’t ignore worsening symptoms

At Deon D. Middlebrook, MDPC, our team is here to help protect your kidney health year-round. We evaluate your symptoms to understand and treat the root cause of your condition. 

If your kidney disease symptoms seem worse this time of year, don’t ignore the signs. A few simple adjustments and regular follow-up can help you stay comfortable and stable all winter long.

Schedule an appointment online or call our Detroit office to discuss your symptoms and get a personalized plan for managing your kidney disease through the colder months.