Lisa Conway – FLORIDA TODAY
Q: I am a healthy senior, so why should I worry about my kidneys?
A: The kidneys are vital organs, responsible for filtering waste from the blood, balancing electrolytes, and helping with blood pressure regulation and red blood cell production. As we age, kidney function naturally declines and the risk of kidney disease increases. According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, more than 50 percent of seniors over the age of 75 are believed to have kidney disease. And it’s more prevalent in those over age 60, compared to the general population.
Kidney disease kills more people each year than breast or prostate cancer. The National Kidney Foundation estimates 37 million Americans (1 in 7 adults) have chronic kidney disease –and most don’t know it. Problems can develop gradually and sometimes without clear symptoms in the early stages. Prolonged use of over-the-counter pain medications can contribute to kidney issues. Be on the lookout for these warning signs.
Changes in Urination: This can include increased or decreased frequency, dark-colored or bloody urine, foamy or bubbly urine, difficulty or pain during urination.
Swelling (Edema): Kidneys help remove excess fluid from the body, so if they’re not functioning properly, fluid may accumulate, causing the legs, ankles, feet, hands or face to swell.
Fatigue: When the kidneys aren’t working well, waste products and toxins can build up in the body, leading to persistent tiredness, weakness or difficulty concentrating.
Shortness of Breath: This can occur when fluid builds up in the lungs due to kidney dysfunction or anemia (decreased red blood cells) –common with kidney disease.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Your kidneys help regulate blood pressure! Kidney problems can lead to high blood pressure, and conversely, high blood pressure can damage the kidneys.
Back Pain: Pain in the back or side (below the ribcage) can be a sign of kidney stones or an infection.
Nausea/Vomiting: As kidney function declines, toxins build up, which can lead to nausea and vomiting.
Skin Rash or Itching: The kidneys help remove waste from the blood. When they fail to do so, it can lead to skin problems such as persistent itching or rashes.
Bad Breath or Metallic Taste: Bad breath (ammonia-like or metallic) may signal an accumulation of waste products in the blood (uremia).
Decreased Appetite: Kidney disease may prompt a loss of appetite, linked to the buildup of waste products in the bloodstream.
Maintaining kidney health becomes increasingly important with age. Learn the do’s and don’ts on March 14th, during Senior Health Friday with Nurse Lisa. RSVP online or by calling 321-751-6771 in Viera.
Lisa Conway is a Registered Nurse, Certified Dementia Practitioner and a Certified Care Manager for Senior Partner Care Services, Viera. Ms. Conway hosts a monthly seminar, ‘Senior Health Friday with Nurse Lisa.’ One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Submit your questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com. For immediate help, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
