Kidney disease is a quiet health problem that often shows no clear signs until it becomes serious. This is especially true for older adults.
Many early symptoms are mild and easy to mistake for signs of aging. But knowing these warning signs and acting early can protect your health and even save your life.
The kidneys are small organs located in your lower back. They do important work, like cleaning the blood by removing waste and extra water. They also help control blood pressure, keep bones strong, and help your body make red blood cells. When kidneys don’t work well, waste builds up and can cause many health issues.
As people get older, kidney function naturally slows a bit. But for many, this decline happens faster due to conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. These are very common in older adults and are the top causes of kidney disease. That’s why people over 60 should pay extra attention to kidney health.
One of the first signs of kidney trouble is a change in how often you urinate. You might go more or less often than usual. Your urine could look different—maybe foamy, lighter or darker in color, or even have blood in it. These signs can be easy to ignore but are important to notice.
Swelling in the legs, feet, hands, or face can be another warning sign. This happens when the kidneys can’t remove extra salt and water. You may also feel very tired. That’s because healthy kidneys help your body make red blood cells. Without enough red blood cells, your body doesn’t get enough oxygen, and you may feel weak and short of breath.
People with kidney problems often have trouble sleeping, and their skin may become dry and itchy. This happens because waste builds up in the blood when the kidneys aren’t working well.
As kidney disease gets worse, symptoms become more severe. You may have muscle cramps, feel cold even in warm places, or lose your appetite. Some people feel sick to their stomach or throw up. Others may feel confused or have trouble thinking clearly. These are signs that waste is building up and harming the brain and body.
Doctors can use simple tests to check for kidney problems. A urine test can show if there’s too much protein, and a blood test can check creatinine levels, which rise when the kidneys aren’t working properly.
If doctors find kidney disease early, it can be managed. You might need to eat differently, take medicine, or control other health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure. In serious cases, people may need dialysis or a kidney transplant. But the best plan is to catch the disease early and avoid those steps.
Being aware is very important. Many people don’t know they have kidney disease until it’s too late. Regular doctor visits, especially for older adults, can help catch problems early. If you or someone you know is feeling unusually tired, has changes in urination, or other unexplained symptoms, it’s time to talk to a doctor.
Kidney disease can be managed, especially when found early. Learning more about it can help you stay healthy and avoid serious problems.
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