Kidney disease is a silent health problem that often shows no clear signs until it becomes serious. This is especially true for older adults.
Many of its early symptoms are mild and can be mistaken for just getting older. But knowing the signs and getting help early can protect your health and even save your life.
The kidneys are small organs in your lower back, and they have a big job. They clean your blood by removing waste and extra water.
They also help control your blood pressure, keep your bones healthy, and make a hormone that tells your body to produce red blood cells. When the kidneys stop working well, waste builds up in the body. This can cause many health problems.
As we age, it’s normal for kidney function to slow down a little. But in many people, this decline speeds up due to health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. These are common in older adults and are the leading causes of kidney disease. That’s why people over 60 need to pay special attention to their kidney health.
One of the first signs that something may be wrong with your kidneys is a change in how you urinate. You might go to the bathroom more or less often than usual. Your urine might look different—it could be foamy, lighter or darker, or even contain blood. These changes are easy to miss or ignore, but they can be early warning signs.
Another symptom is swelling in the legs, feet, hands, or face. This happens when the kidneys can’t get rid of extra salt and water. You may also feel very tired. This is because the kidneys make a hormone that helps your body create red blood cells. Without enough red blood cells, your body can’t carry as much oxygen, and you start feeling weak and out of breath.
People with kidney problems often have trouble sleeping. This could be because waste is building up in their blood, making them feel uncomfortable. Their skin might become dry and itchy too. Healthy kidneys help keep the skin healthy, but when they stop working, toxins can build up and cause problems.
When kidney disease gets worse, the symptoms become stronger. You may have muscle cramps, feel cold even in warm rooms, or notice that your appetite is gone. Some people feel sick to their stomach or even vomit. Others may have trouble thinking clearly or feel confused. These are signs that waste is seriously affecting the body and brain.
To find out if your kidneys are in trouble, doctors can do simple tests. A urine test can show if there’s too much protein. A blood test can check your creatinine levels, which go up when your kidneys aren’t doing their job.
If a doctor finds kidney disease early, they can help you manage it. You may need to change your diet, take medicine, or treat other health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes. In severe cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be needed. But the goal is to catch the disease early enough to avoid these extreme steps.
Awareness is key. Many people don’t realise they have kidney disease until it’s too late. Regular check-ups, especially for older adults, can make a big difference. If you or someone you care about is feeling unusually tired, noticing changes in urination, or having other unexplained symptoms, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.
Kidney disease can be managed, especially if found early. The more you know about it, the better your chances of staying healthy and avoiding serious complications.
Source: knowridge.com
