Kidney disease is a serious health problem that often goes unnoticed, especially in older adults.
Many of its symptoms are subtle and can be mistaken for normal aging. But catching kidney disease early is very important. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney failure.
The kidneys are small, bean-shaped organs that do big jobs in the body. They filter out waste and extra fluid from the blood, help control blood pressure, balance important minerals, and help make red blood cells.
As people get older, their kidneys may not work as well, and certain conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can make kidney problems worse.
One of the challenges with kidney disease is that early symptoms are easy to miss. Many signs may seem like normal changes that come with age. But being aware of these signs can help people get diagnosed and treated sooner, which can improve their health and quality of life.
In the early stages of kidney disease, changes in urination are often the first clue. You might notice going to the bathroom more or less often, changes in the color of urine, or even blood in the urine.
Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, hands, or face can also be a sign. This happens because the kidneys aren’t getting rid of extra salt and fluid properly.
Feeling very tired or weak can be another symptom. Healthy kidneys make a hormone that helps your body create red blood cells. If kidney function drops, fewer red blood cells are made, leading to anemia—and that makes you feel tired and low on energy.
Sleep problems can also occur because waste builds up in the blood and makes it harder to sleep well.
Itchy, dry skin is another early sign. When kidneys don’t work properly, toxins build up in the body and cause skin problems.
As kidney disease gets worse, the symptoms become more noticeable. You might have muscle cramps from imbalanced minerals like calcium and phosphorus. You may lose your appetite or feel nauseated. Some people vomit due to waste building up in the body.
Trouble concentrating or feeling confused can also happen when the brain is affected by too many toxins in the blood. You might feel colder than usual too, especially in your hands and feet, because of anemia.
To find kidney disease early, doctors use simple tests. A urine test can check for protein, and a blood test checks creatinine levels, which tell how well the kidneys are working.
If kidney disease is found, treatment focuses on controlling other conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. Diet changes, medication, and sometimes dialysis may be needed to help protect kidney function.
Awareness is key. Many older adults and their caregivers are not aware of the signs of kidney disease. Regular checkups and lab tests can catch it early and prevent serious problems.
If you or someone you care for is feeling more tired than usual, noticing swelling, or having changes in urination or appetite, it’s important to talk to a doctor. Early action can make a big difference.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about Common statin drug is linked to kidney damage and findings of How drinking coffee can affect your kidney health.
For more about kidney health, please read studies about Scientists find important cause of kidney disease and findings of Cruciferous vegetables may reverse kidney damage in diabetics.
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