Kidney disease is often called a silent illness because it can develop for many years without causing clear symptoms.
Many people do not know they have a problem until their kidneys have already been badly damaged. This is why learning about the kidneys and knowing the early warning signs can help people protect their health.
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the lower back. Although they are small, they do many important jobs every day.
They clean waste and extra water from the blood, make urine, help control blood pressure, keep the right balance of minerals, support healthy bones, and produce a hormone that helps the body make red blood cells.
As people grow older, kidney function naturally becomes a little weaker. However, diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes can speed up this process and greatly increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. Because these conditions are very common, adults over the age of 60 should have their kidney health checked regularly, especially if they have other health problems or a family history of kidney disease.
One of the first signs of kidney disease is a change in urination. A person may need to pass urine more often, especially during the night, or much less than usual. Urine may become foamy because of extra protein, change colour, or even contain blood. These changes are sometimes dismissed as part of getting older, but they should always be discussed with a doctor.
Swelling is another common warning sign. When the kidneys cannot remove enough extra salt and water, fluid builds up in the body. This may cause swollen feet, ankles, legs, hands, or even the face. Although swelling can have different causes, kidney disease is one possible reason that should not be overlooked.
Many people with kidney disease also feel tired or weak. Damaged kidneys make less of the hormone needed to produce red blood cells. With fewer red blood cells carrying oxygen around the body, people may feel exhausted, become short of breath, and find everyday activities much harder.
Other symptoms can include trouble sleeping, dry and itchy skin, muscle cramps, poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Some people feel colder than those around them. In more advanced disease, waste products can build up in the blood and affect the brain, causing poor concentration, memory problems, or confusion.
The good news is that kidney disease can often be found early with simple medical tests. A urine test can detect protein that should not normally be present. A blood test measures creatinine, a waste product that rises when the kidneys are not working well. These quick tests can help doctors find kidney problems before serious damage occurs.
Finding kidney disease early gives people the best chance of slowing its progress. Eating a healthy diet, reducing salt, staying physically active, keeping a healthy weight, and managing blood pressure and blood sugar can all help protect the kidneys.
Some people may also need medicines. If the disease becomes very advanced, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be needed, but early treatment can often delay or even prevent these treatments.
Kidney disease may be quiet, but it should never be ignored. Paying attention to changes in the body and having regular health checks can save kidney function and improve quality of life. Taking action early gives people the best chance of staying healthier for longer.
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 health information, 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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