Kidney disease is a common but often overlooked health problem, especially among older adults.
Because the kidneys can gradually lose function over many years, many people do not realise anything is wrong until significant damage has already occurred.
Detecting kidney disease early is very important because treatment can slow its progress and reduce the risk of kidney failure.
This article is based on current medical knowledge and recommendations from kidney health research and clinical practice.
The kidneys are two small, bean-shaped organs located near the lower back. They filter waste products and excess water from the blood, which are removed from the body through urine.
The kidneys also help control blood pressure, balance minerals such as sodium and potassium, keep bones healthy, and produce hormones that help the body make red blood cells.
As people grow older, kidney function naturally declines to some extent. However, certain medical conditions can speed up this process. High blood pressure and type 2 diabetes are the two leading causes of chronic kidney disease, but heart disease, obesity, smoking, and a family history of kidney problems can also increase the risk.
One of the biggest challenges is that early kidney disease usually causes very few symptoms. Many warning signs can easily be mistaken for normal ageing. Changes in urination are often among the earliest clues. A person may urinate more or less often than usual, notice foamy urine, darker urine, or even blood in the urine.
Swelling in the feet, ankles, legs, hands, or around the eyes is another common sign. When the kidneys cannot remove excess salt and fluid properly, water builds up in the body’s tissues. Some people also notice that shoes, socks, or rings suddenly become tighter than before.
Persistent tiredness and weakness may also signal kidney disease. Damaged kidneys produce less of a hormone called erythropoietin, which helps the body make red blood cells. This can lead to anaemia, leaving people feeling exhausted, short of breath, or lacking energy for everyday activities.
Other symptoms may include poor sleep, dry and itchy skin, muscle cramps, reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty concentrating. As waste products build up in the bloodstream, they can affect many parts of the body, including the brain. Some people also feel unusually cold because anaemia reduces the amount of oxygen carried around the body.
The good news is that simple medical tests can often detect kidney disease before severe symptoms appear. A urine test can check for protein, which may be an early sign of kidney damage. Blood tests can measure creatinine and estimate the kidneys’ filtering ability, known as the estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR.
If kidney disease is diagnosed early, treatment can often slow its progression. Doctors may recommend better control of blood pressure and blood sugar, healthy eating, regular exercise, stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking medicines that protect kidney function. In advanced cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant may eventually be needed.
Recognising the warning signs, attending regular health checks, and seeking medical advice when symptoms appear can make a major difference in protecting kidney health and maintaining a better quality of life.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about pesticide linked to chronic kidney disease, and this drug may prevent kidney failure in people with diabetes.
For more health information, please see recent studies about drug duo that may treat kidney failure, and results showing these vegetables may protect against kidney damage.
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