Kidney disease is a serious health problem that often goes unnoticed, especially in older adults.
Many of its signs are subtle and can easily be confused with normal aging. But finding kidney disease early is very important. If it’s not treated, it can lead to kidney failure.
The kidneys are small, bean-shaped organs that do big jobs. They clean waste and extra fluid from the blood, help control blood pressure, balance minerals in the body, and help make red blood cells.
As people age, their kidneys may not work as well. Health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes can make kidney disease worse and more common in older adults.
One of the biggest problems with kidney disease is that the early symptoms are easy to miss. They can look like normal signs of getting older. But if people know what to watch for, they can get help sooner, and that can improve their health and quality of life.
One of the first signs of kidney trouble is a change in urination. You may go more or less often than usual. Your urine may change color or even contain blood.
Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, hands, or face is another common sign. This happens when the kidneys can’t remove extra salt and water.
Feeling tired or weak can also be a sign of kidney problems. Healthy kidneys make a hormone that helps the body make red blood cells. When kidney function drops, your red blood cell count can drop too, causing anemia. That makes you feel very tired and low on energy.
People with kidney disease may also have trouble sleeping. This is because waste builds up in the blood, making it harder to rest.
Itchy, dry skin can be another early sign. When kidneys don’t work properly, toxins build up in the body and can cause skin problems.
When kidney disease gets worse, the symptoms become stronger. Muscle cramps may happen due to mineral imbalances. You might lose your appetite or feel sick to your stomach. Some people throw up because waste is building up.
You might have trouble thinking clearly or feel confused if toxins reach the brain. You may also feel cold, especially in your hands and feet, because of anemia.
Doctors can find kidney disease early through simple tests. A urine test can look for protein, and a blood test can check creatinine levels, which show how well the kidneys are working.
If kidney disease is found, treatment usually means controlling other health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes. You might need to change your diet, take medicine, or in some cases, start dialysis.
Awareness is very important. Many older adults and their caregivers don’t know the signs of kidney disease. Regular checkups and lab tests can catch the problem early and help prevent serious issues.
If you or someone you care about is feeling more tired than usual, has swelling, or notices changes in urination or appetite, it’s important to talk to a doctor. Acting early can make a big difference.
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