Kidney Failure in the Elderly: Signs and Symptoms

Poor kidney function is incredibly common in seniors.

Nearly 40% of Americans over the age of 60 suffer from chronic kidney disease, placing them at high risk for kidney failure (also known as “renal failure”). Promptly seeking medical attention for kidney-related issues can reduce the amount of damage that’s inflicted and may even save a life. That’s why if you have a loved one who’s at risk, it’s important to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of kidney failure in the elderly.

In this post, we’ll explore common signs of kidney failure in the elderly to look out for and what you can do to help your loved ones avoid kidney problems as they age.

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Kidneys Shutting Down in Elderly Patients

Kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease, happens when chronic kidney disease advances to the point that your kidneys can no longer function properly. Normally, your kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from your blood which are then expelled from the body when you urinate.

When kidneys are shutting down in an elderly patient, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes, and waste can build up in your body. When this occurs, patients will require dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.

What Causes Renal Failure in the Elderly?

Renal failure in the elderly is caused by a disease or condition impairing kidney function. Over the course of months or years, damage to the kidneys will gradually reduce function until renal failure occurs.

There are a number of risk factors for chronic kidney disease. Causes of renal failure in the elderly include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Proteinuria (a condition where there is an excessive amount of protein in the urine)
• Hyperlipidemia (an excess of lipids or fats in your blood)
• Cardiovascular disease
• Glomerular and tubulointerstitial disease (inflammation of the kidneys filtering units and surrounding structures)
• Metabolic acidosis (a condition where the body produces too many acids or cannot eliminate them effectively, leading to a decrease in blood pH)
• Smoking
• High-protein diet

What Are Signs of Kidney Failure in the Elderly?

Signs and symptoms of kidney failure in the elderly will develop over time if kidney damage progresses slowly, so early detection can have a major impact on addressing the underlying issue before kidney failure occurs.

Symptoms of renal failure in the elderly will vary depending on the severity of the disease. Signs of the loss of kidney function include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue and weakness
• Sleep problems
• Urinating more or less
• Decreased mental sharpness
• Muscle cramps
• Swelling of feet and ankles
• Dry, itchy skin
• High blood pressure (hypertension) that’s difficult to control
• Shortness of breath, if fluid builds up in the lungs
• Chest pain, if fluid builds up around the lining of the heart

If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact your loved one’s medical team immediately.

Preventing Kidney Failure in the Elderly

Elderly people are at greater risk for nearly all types of kidney failure, and kidney failure can be accompanied by several serious complications. Among them you’ll find muscle weakness, chest pain, fluid buildup, kidney damage, and even death. Without a kidney transplant, the mortality rate for end-stage kidney disease is projected to be as high as 20%. That’s why prevention is key.

There’s no cure for a lifetime of kidney damage, but it is possible to avoid adding unnecessary strain to the kidneys. Lifestyle changes can help manage the comorbid conditions that contribute to kidney failure. And it’s particularly important to encourage your loved ones to be vigilant about carefully following the instructions on all over-the-counter pain medications. Common painkillers are well known to be biologically taxing to kidneys, young and old alike.

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