Kidney failure, also called end-stage kidney disease, happens when the kidneys lose most or all of their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. This condition can affect people of all ages, but it is especially common in older adults.
As we age, our kidneys naturally lose some function, but in some elderly people, this decline becomes severe and leads to serious health problems. Spotting the symptoms early can help improve quality of life and guide important care decisions.
In older adults, the signs of kidney failure are often subtle at first and can be mistaken for normal aging or other health conditions. One of the earliest signs is feeling tired all the time.
This happens because the kidneys aren’t filtering waste properly, which leads to a buildup of toxins in the blood and can cause fatigue. People may feel weak, sleepy during the day, or have trouble concentrating.
Swelling in the legs, ankles, or around the eyes is also a common symptom. When the kidneys stop working well, they can’t remove extra fluid from the body. This fluid builds up, especially in the lower parts of the body due to gravity.
A study in Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology notes that swelling, or edema, is often one of the first outward signs that something is wrong with kidney function.
Another noticeable symptom is changes in urination. Some older adults may urinate less often, while others may urinate more frequently—especially at night. Urine may appear foamy, dark, or have blood in it. However, these changes may not be noticed unless a person is already paying attention, which is why regular check-ups are important.
Loss of appetite and nausea are also early signs that kidney function is declining. When the kidneys can’t remove waste products properly, the buildup in the blood can lead to a condition called uremia. This can make food taste different, cause bad breath (often described as “urine-like”), or lead to stomach discomfort. Weight loss may occur as a result.
Itching and dry skin are another symptom of kidney failure, caused by the buildup of minerals and waste products in the blood. Some older adults may also feel cold even when the room temperature is normal, due to anemia, a condition where there are not enough healthy red blood cells—common in kidney disease.
Mental confusion, trouble remembering things, and mood changes can also occur in elderly people with kidney failure. These symptoms can easily be mistaken for dementia or other brain-related issues. However, studies such as one published in Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation highlight the link between declining kidney function and cognitive changes in older adults.
Breathlessness can occur as kidney failure progresses. This may be caused by fluid building up in the lungs or by anemia. Some people also experience chest pain or irregular heartbeats, as the balance of electrolytes like potassium is disturbed when the kidneys are not working properly.
In some cases, symptoms become severe quickly, especially if the failure is due to sudden injury or illness. However, in many elderly people, kidney failure develops slowly and may not cause major symptoms until it’s quite advanced.
The causes of kidney failure in older adults include long-term conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. These conditions damage the blood vessels in the kidneys over time. Regular blood tests and urine tests can help detect kidney problems early, even before symptoms appear.
In summary, the signs of kidney failure in elderly people often show up as tiredness, swelling, changes in urination, appetite loss, confusion, and trouble breathing.
Because these symptoms can look like other age-related health problems, it’s important to monitor kidney health regularly. Early detection and proper care can help manage symptoms, slow the disease, and improve quality of life in older adults.
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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