Kidney disease is a serious health condition that often goes unnoticed, especially in older people. Many of its early signs are easy to miss or may seem like normal parts of getting older.
But spotting kidney problems early is very important. If the disease is not treated in time, it can lead to kidney failure.
The kidneys are small, bean-shaped organs that do big jobs in the body. They remove waste and extra water from the blood. They also help control blood pressure, balance important minerals, and help make red blood cells.
As people age, their kidneys may slowly become less effective. Conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can make kidney problems worse and speed up the damage.
One of the main challenges with kidney disease is that it starts quietly. Early symptoms are easy to overlook. They can seem like natural changes that come with aging. But knowing the signs can help people get diagnosed early, which can improve their health and quality of life.
One of the first signs of kidney disease is a change in how often or how much you urinate. You may go to the bathroom more or less often. Your urine might look different in color, or you might even see blood in it.
Swelling is another warning sign. You may notice puffiness in your legs, ankles, feet, hands, or face. This happens because the kidneys aren’t removing extra salt and water properly.
Feeling very tired or weak can also be a sign. When kidneys don’t work well, they make less of a hormone that helps your body produce red blood cells. This can lead to anemia, which makes you feel worn out.
Sleep problems can also show up. When waste builds up in the blood, it can affect your sleep. Some people find it harder to rest well at night.
Itchy and dry skin can be another clue. When the kidneys stop working properly, toxins stay in the body and can cause skin irritation.
As kidney disease gets worse, the symptoms become more obvious. You may get muscle cramps due to unbalanced minerals like calcium and phosphorus. You might lose your appetite, feel sick, or even vomit because waste is building up in your body.
You may also find it hard to focus or feel confused. This is because the brain can be affected when toxins are not removed from the blood. Some people feel colder than usual, especially in their hands and feet, because of low red blood cell levels.
The good news is that doctors can catch kidney disease early with simple tests. A urine test can look for protein, and a blood test can check for creatinine—a waste product that shows how well your kidneys are working.
If kidney disease is found, treatment usually includes managing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Doctors may also suggest changes in diet, prescribe medicine, or in some cases, recommend dialysis to help clean the blood.
Awareness is the first step. Many older adults and their families don’t know the warning signs of kidney disease. Regular checkups and lab tests can help find problems early and stop them from getting worse.
If you or someone you care about is feeling extra tired, noticing swelling, or seeing changes in urination or appetite, it’s important to talk to a doctor. Finding kidney disease early can make a big difference in staying healthy.
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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