Symptoms of Kidney Disease for Seniors in Edmonton, Alberta

Uncategorized  |  March 19, 2018

Symptoms of kidney disease in seniors and older adults are so subtle that the disease often goes undiagnosed. This is why it’s extremely important to understand the symptoms of kidney disease so that you can spot the symptoms early and take your senior loved one to see a medical professional before the disease advances.

Feet and/or Ankles that are Swollen

If kidney function decreases, sodium can build up in the body. This can lead to swollen feet and ankles. Swollen feet and ankles can also be a symptom of heart disease, chronic leg vein issues, or liver disease.

Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing

Decreased kidney function can lead to fluid build up in the body and the lungs, making it difficult to breathe or causing shortness of breath. Shortness of breath is often seen in the later stages of kidney disease.

Constantly Cold

Kidney disease can cause a person to feel cold constantly, even when they should be warm. Additionally, pyelonephritis or a kidney infection can cause a person to experience fever and chills.

Changes in Urinating

Kidneys are the organ that handles the urinary tract within the body, and changes in urination are often a sign of kidney disease. Urine with traces of blood, bubbly or foamy urine, difficulty urinating, or the overwhelming urge to urinate are all considered changes in urination and should be reported to a doctor.

Weakness or Fatigue

As kidneys begin to fail, a buildup of wastes in the body or anemia can cause a shortage of red blood cells. This can lead to feelings of weakness or fatigue.

Bad Tastes in the Mouth

Waste build up from weakened kidney function can cause a bad taste in the mouth. Medications used to treat kidney stones, arthritis, and high blood pressure can also cause a bad taste in the mouth.

If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, you should visit a doctor to perform basic screening tests. If kidney disease is found during screening, a doctor known as a nephrologist can conduct deeper, more specialized evaluations and can advise on lifestyle changes to reduce or treat the symptoms of kidney disease.

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