Kidney disease is a serious health problem that affects many older adults. It often develops slowly and without clear warning signs.
This makes it hard to notice until the condition becomes more advanced. As people age, their kidneys naturally become less efficient. This is why older adults are more at risk of developing chronic kidney disease, also known as CKD.
CKD happens when the kidneys become damaged and can’t filter waste and fluids from the blood properly. When waste builds up, it can cause many other health problems. One of the biggest challenges is that the symptoms of CKD are often mild and can be mistaken for normal signs of aging.
However, spotting these signs early and getting the right treatment can make a big difference. It can stop the disease from getting worse and improve a person’s quality of life. Knowing what to look for is important for both older adults and their caregivers.
As we get older, it’s normal for kidney function to slowly decline. But certain health problems, like high blood pressure and diabetes, can damage the kidneys faster.
The kidneys have many important jobs: they clean the blood, remove waste and extra fluids, help manage blood pressure, and make hormones that keep our bones and blood healthy.
There are some subtle signs that might point to kidney disease. Many people ignore them or assume they are just part of aging, but these changes can be early clues that something is wrong.
One early sign is changes in how often you urinate. Some people may feel the need to pee more often, especially at night. Others may notice that their urine looks foamy, bubbly, or contains blood. In some cases, they may produce less urine than usual even if they are drinking enough water.
Another sign is swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, hands, or face. This happens when the kidneys can’t get rid of extra fluid in the body. This swelling, called edema, can be uncomfortable and should not be ignored.
People with kidney disease may also feel tired or weak. This happens because the kidneys help make a hormone that is needed to create red blood cells. If the kidneys are not working well, the body makes fewer red blood cells, causing anemia. This can lead to fatigue and feeling unwell.
Trouble sleeping is also common. A buildup of waste in the blood can make it hard to sleep. Some people may also develop sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome or sleep apnea, which makes sleep even more difficult.
Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite can also occur when waste builds up in the body. These symptoms can lead to weight loss and poor nutrition, especially in older adults.
In more serious cases, kidney disease can affect the brain. This can lead to confusion, personality changes, or trouble focusing. These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for dementia, but they may be related to kidney problems.
Another sign is dry and itchy skin. When the kidneys cannot balance minerals and nutrients in the blood, the skin can become irritated.
Because these symptoms are often mild or confusing, regular check-ups are very important. Simple blood and urine tests can help doctors see how well the kidneys are working. If problems are found early, treatments can help protect the kidneys and prevent further damage.
Some people can slow down the disease by eating healthy, exercising, and controlling conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. Others may need medicine to help support kidney function.
Recognizing the signs of kidney disease early is key. While it can be hard to tell if symptoms are due to aging or kidney issues, it’s better to be safe and talk to a doctor. With the right care, it’s possible to manage kidney disease and keep living a full, healthy life.
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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