Kidney failure in the elderly is a serious health problem that can considerably affect the quality of life of older people.
This is why, in this article, we are going to explore what kidney failure is in the elderly, especially its types, stages and how to treat it, always focusing on the elderly population.
What is kidney failure
Kidney failure, also known as kidney disease, occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the body effectively.
When this occurs, waste can build up in the body, which can cause a number of health problems. This is because the kidneys play a vital role in removing toxins and balancing water and chemical levels in the body.
Types of kidney failure
There are two main types of kidney failure: chronic and acute. Both types can affect people of all ages, but are particularly common in the elderly due to the decline in kidney function that often occurs with age.
Chronic renal failure in the elderly
Chronic kidney failure occurs when the loss of kidney function occurs gradually, over months or years. This type of kidney failure in the elderly can be the result of chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension.
Acute renal failure in the elderly
On the other hand, acute kidney injury is a condition that develops quickly, usually in a matter of days or weeks. It can occur due to injury, serious illness, blood loss, or use of certain medications.
Stages or stages of kidney failure in the elderly and in any person
Kidney failure is classified into five stages, from kidney damage with normal kidney function to end-stage renal failure.
Stage 1: Kidney damage with normal kidney function
At this stage, there are signs of kidney damage, but kidney function is normal or near normal. Early detection and treatment can help prevent the disease from progressing.
Stage 2: Mild loss of kidney function
Stage 2 is characterized by a mild decline in kidney function. Monitoring kidney function and monitoring underlying health conditions are essential at this stage.
Stage 3: Mild to severe loss of kidney function
In stage 3, kidney function has markedly decreased. At this stage, symptoms of kidney disease are likely to be seen.
Stage 4: Severe loss of kidney function
In stage 4, kidney function is very low and waste is likely building up in the body.
Dialysis or kidney transplant may be necessary at this stage.
Stage 5: End-stage renal failure (ESRD) in the elderly
Stage 5, known as end-stage renal failure, is the most severe stage of the disease. At this point, the kidneys have lost almost all of their function and dialysis or kidney transplant is necessary to sustain life.
Symptoms of kidney failure in the elderly
Symptoms of kidney failure in the elderly can vary. Some common symptoms include:
- Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or lack of energy can be symptoms of kidney failure in the elderly. This is because diseased kidneys have difficulty removing waste products from the body, which can lead to a build-up of toxins and feelings of fatigue.
- Changes in urination: Changes in the frequency and amount of urine can indicate kidney problems. Elderly people with kidney failure may experience an increased need to urinate at night (nocturia), a decrease in the amount of urine, or even foamy urine due to the presence of protein.
- Fluid Retention: Damaged kidneys may have difficulty removing excess fluid from the body. This can lead to swelling in the extremities, especially the ankles and feet. Additionally, elderly people with kidney failure may experience sudden weight gain due to fluid retention.
- Changes in appetite: Kidney failure can affect the appetite of the elderly. They may experience a decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting, which can lead to unwanted weight loss.
- Pain and discomfort: Some elderly people with kidney failure may experience pain in the kidney area, located in the lower back. Additionally, they may have muscle cramps, especially in the legs, due to electrolyte imbalances.
- Skin changes: Kidney failure can affect skin health in the elderly. They may experience dryness, itching, changes in skin color, or even appear pale due to the anemia associated with kidney disease.
If an elderly person experiences any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Kidney failure is a chronic and progressive disease, but early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help slow its progression and improve the patient’s quality of life.
In addition, a doctor specializing in nephrology will be able to perform tests and examinations to evaluate kidney function and determine the most appropriate treatment.
How to treat kidney failure in the elderly
Treatment of kidney failure in the elderly generally involves treating the underlying health conditions and symptoms of the disease.
Medicines can help control blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and changes in diet can help reduce the load on the kidneys. However, in advanced stages, this will not be enough, as dialysis or a kidney transplant will most likely be necessary.
Other questions about kidney failure
How does chronic kidney failure manifest in the elderly?
Chronic kidney failure in the elderly can manifest itself through various symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, and problems sleeping.
How many years can a person with chronic kidney failure live?
Kidney failure in the elderly and life expectancy depends on many factors, including the stage of the disease, treatment and the general health of the individual.
Some people can live for many years with the disease adequately controlled.
How does a person with kidney failure behave?
A person with kidney failure may experience a variety of symptoms and changes in behavior, such as fatigue, weakness, changes in sleep patterns, and changes in appetite.
As you see, kidney failure is a serious condition, especially in the elderly population. However, with early diagnosis, good control of underlying health conditions and appropriate treatment, it is possible to manage the disease and maintain a good quality of life, even in cases of end-stage renal failure in the elderly.
