Kidney disease is a health problem that often affects older people. It can get worse over time without showing clear signs at first. Because of this, many people may not know they have it until the disease is in a late stage. This makes it harder to treat and more dangerous. That’s why it’s important to understand the signs and catch it early.
As people get older, their kidneys slowly become less able to do their job. Kidneys are two small organs in the lower back that clean the blood. They remove waste and extra water, turning them into urine.
When kidneys are damaged, waste starts to build up in the body. This condition is called chronic kidney disease, or CKD. It happens slowly and can affect a person’s whole body.
Older adults are more likely to get CKD because their kidneys have been working for many years. Also, other common problems in older age—like diabetes and high blood pressure—can harm the kidneys. These conditions make it more likely that kidney disease will develop.
One of the problems with CKD is that its symptoms are hard to spot. Many of them seem like normal parts of getting older. But there are some signs that people and their families should watch for.
The first signs often involve changes in urination. An older person might start going to the bathroom more often, especially at night. The urine may look different—foamy, bubbly, or even reddish if there’s blood in it. Some people might find they are making less urine than usual.
Another common sign is swelling in the body. When kidneys don’t work well, fluid can stay in the body instead of being removed. This can cause the feet, legs, hands, or even the face to swell. Swelling is not just uncomfortable—it’s a warning that the kidneys may not be doing their job.
Tiredness is another sign. Healthy kidneys help the body make red blood cells, which carry oxygen. If the kidneys are damaged, they might not make enough of a hormone that tells the body to create these cells. This can lead to anemia, which makes people feel weak and very tired.
Kidney disease can also disturb sleep. Waste in the blood can affect sleep quality, and some people may get sleep problems like restless legs or even stop breathing for short moments during sleep (called sleep apnea). These issues can make life very difficult for older people.
Other signs include nausea and a loss of appetite. Some people may feel sick often or throw up. Others might stop eating much and lose weight without meaning to. This could be because the buildup of waste in the body changes how food tastes or makes it less appealing.
In more serious cases, kidney disease can affect the brain. Some older people may become forgetful, confused, or less alert. These changes can be mistaken for dementia or just “getting old,” but they may be related to kidney problems.
Dry and itchy skin is another sign to look for. Healthy kidneys keep the right balance of minerals in the blood. When this balance is off, it can cause the skin to become dry and itchy. This often happens in more advanced stages of kidney disease.
Because many of these signs can be missed or confused with other health problems, regular check-ups are very important. A simple blood test and a urine test can show if the kidneys are working properly. These tests can help catch kidney disease early, before it causes serious damage.
If kidney disease is found early, treatment can help slow it down. Doctors might suggest changes in diet, medicines, or managing other health problems like high blood pressure. The goal is to keep the kidneys working as well as possible for as long as possible.
In short, kidney disease is a common problem for older adults, but it often hides in the background. Knowing what to look for—and acting quickly—can make a big difference.
If an older person suddenly feels more tired, goes to the bathroom more at night, or shows any of the signs mentioned, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. Early action can help protect their kidneys and their quality of life.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about how to protect your kidneys from diabetes, and drinking coffee could help reduce risk of kidney injury.
For more information about kidney health, please see recent studies about foods that may prevent recurrence of kidney stones, and eating nuts linked to lower risk of chronic kidney disease and death.
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