Kidney disease can appear out of nowhere. It is extremely common in people who are over 60. This is why your elderly loved one should be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease. They could also benefit from learning about the causes of reduced kidney function and how they can improve it.
Elderly Adults and Kidney Function
Decreased kidney function can cause other health problems such as kidney infections and the kidneys shutting down. Some of the signs and other information that should be known about kidney failure include the following:
- Women are more at risk to suffer from urinary tract infections, especially as they get older. These infections can lead to kidney function issues.
- Diabetes can cause kidney disease. It damages the kidneys and this damage is often irreparable.
- High blood pressure can cause damage to your loved one’s kidneys and heart.
- Infections can also cause kidney failure.
- Reno vascular disease can lead to a range of kidney issues including kidney failure.
Many elderly adults suffer from some sort of kidney issue. This is why seeing a doctor regularly is essential. It can increase your elderly loved one’s chances of treating kidney disease if they have it. If you are taking care of your elderly loved one, it is important to encourage them to speak to their physician if they are having any kidney issues. You or their elder care providers can also keep an eye out for any issues they might be having, as well.
Elderly Adults and Kidney Stones
Kidney stones normally start out very small and grow larger over time. They are formed out of minerals and salt. At some point, they join together to harden. Kidney stones will go down the ureter and often get stuck there. This can cause pain and prevent the flow of urine. Most kidney stones will pass on their own but it can sometimes take weeks. There are times when a kidney stone won’t pass on its own and the person with the stone will need help from a doctor. Here are some signs that your elderly loved one might have a kidney stone:
- Blood in their urine
- Severe cramping
- Extreme pain in the abdomen, groin, and back area
- Fever
- Chills
- Unable to urinate
- Odd smelling urine
- Increased urgency to urinate
- Nausea
There are different treatments available for kidney stones. Normally, the kind of treatment will depend on the size and shape of the stone.
Elderly Adults and Kidney Disease
Kidneys help manufacture red blood cells. They help to balance the nutrients that are put into the body. In addition, they help to get rid of the fluid in the body and helps to get rid of the waste that builds up in the body. Kidney disease can put a person at a higher risk of getting heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and weak bones. It is important to do what you can to help decrease the odds of your elderly loved one getting the disease. You and your elderly loved one’s elder care providers can encourage them to live as healthy of a lifestyle as they can.
Conclusion
There are times when a person who has kidney disease gets kidney failure. Unfortunately, this can be fatal. This is why it is essential for your elderly loved one to seek immediate medical attention if they are experiencing any kidney issues.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4291282/
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/kidneys-age-related-problems
If you or an aging loved one is considering home care in Lone Tree, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare today at 303-953-9924.
