Kidneys - age related problems

Your kidneys can be affected or damaged by a variety of diseases and conditions. As we get older, we are more likely to suffer from kidney and urinary tract problems. Kidney problems can also increase the risk of other conditions such as cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease.

Kidney diseases can be serious, but early detection and proper treatment can increase the life of your kidneys. Kidney disease is not always accompanied by warning signs. If you are over 50 years of age or at higher risk for some other reason, a regular check-up with your doctor is strongly recommended.

Kidney function can be affected by some conditions

Kidney function can be affected by many conditions. Older people are more at risk of some kidney and urinary tract diseases. These include:

• Inflammation or swelling of the kidneys – this can be caused by conditions such as glomerulonephritis.
• Diabetes – diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure in Australia. Damage can occur to blood vessels and nerves, even when the diabetes is well managed.
• Urinary tract infections – if left untreated, a urinary tract infection may spread into the kidneys. It is important to see a doctor if a kidney infection is suspected because lasting damage can occur if left untreated. Urinary tract infections are very common, particularly in women and with increasing age.
• Urinary incontinence – this is uncontrolled leaking of urine from the bladder, which can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Your doctor should check any problems linked to passing urine as they may indicate more serious kidney problems or other conditions, such as an enlarged prostate in men.
• Renovascular disease – fatty deposits, cholesterol, calcium and other substances are deposited in the inner lining of the arteries, causing narrowing or blockage of the renal artery. This affects the kidneys’ filters and reduces the blood supply to the kidneys, resulting in high blood pressure and reduced kidney function. This is the most common cause of kidney failure in the elderly.
• High blood pressure – if left untreated, high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and loss of vision.
• Hereditary kidney diseases – for example, polycystic kidney disease.
• Scarring of the kidneys – this mainly affects young children and is caused by a condition called ‘urinary reflux’. In this condition, there is a backflow of urine from the bladder into the kidneys.

Symptoms of kidney disease

Kidney disease is called a ‘silent disease’ as there are often no warning signs. People may lose up to 90 per cent of their kidney function before getting any symptoms. The first signs may be general and can include:

• High blood pressure
• Changes in the amount and number of times urine is passed (for example, at night)
• Blood in the urine
• Puffiness
• Pain in the kidney area
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty sleeping
• Headaches
• Lack of concentration
• Itching
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bad breath and a metallic taste in the mouth.

Risk factors

Some conditions that affect the kidneys and urinary tract are more common as people get older. You are more at risk if you:

• Are over 50 years of age
• Have diabetes
• Are obese
• Have high blood pressure
• Are a smoker
• Have a family history of kidney disease
• Are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage.

If you are at higher risk, a regular check-up with your doctor is strongly recommended.

Kidney disease can affect your heart

People with chronic kidney disease are 10 to 20 times more likely to have a heart attack and cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death for people on dialysis and those who have a transplanted kidney. People at every stage of chronic kidney disease are at more risk of cardiovascular disease, although those in the later stages have the highest risk.

Keeping your kidneys healthy

There are a number of things you can do to keep your kidneys healthy.

• If you have diabetes, make sure that your blood sugar control is excellent. Follow your doctor’s advice about insulin injections, medicines, diet, physical activity and monitoring your blood sugar.
• Control high blood pressure. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Drugs used to lower blood pressure (anti-hypertensive drugs), such as ACE inhibitors or angiotensin blockers, can slow the development of kidney disease.
• Have your urine checked for protein or microalbuminuria at least once a year.
• Have a blood test for kidney function at least once a year.
• Treat urinary tract infections immediately.
• Control blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels with diet and medications if necessary.
• Choose foods that are low in sugar, fat and salt but high in fibre. Stick to moderate serving sizes.
• Do not smoke.
• Drink alcohol in moderation only.
• Stay at a healthy weight for your height and age.
• Try to exercise moderately for at least 30 minutes a day.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Your local community health centre
• Kidney Health Information Service Tel. 1800 4 KIDNEY (543 639), TTY users phone 1800 555 677 then ask for 1800 454 363

Things to remember

• Older people are more at risk of some kidney and urinary tract diseases.
• Kidney diseases can be serious but early detection and proper treatment can increase the life of your kidneys.
• Have a regular check-up with your doctor and ask for your kidney function to be checked.

You might also be interested in:

• Blood pressure (high) - hypertension.
  
• Diabetes.
  
• Diabetes and kidney failure.
  
• Heart disease - risk factors explained.
  
• Incontinence and continence problems.
  
• Kidney cancer.
  
• Kidney disease - prevention.
  
• Kidney disease - tests.
  
• Kidney disease and cardiovascular risks.
  
• Kidney reflux.
  
• Kidney stones.
  
• Kidneys - polycystic kidney disease.
  
• Kidneys explained.
  
• Urinary tract infections.
  

Want to know more?

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This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

(Logo links to further information)

Kidney Foundation of Australia- links to more information

Last reviewed: April 2011

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<a href="http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Kidneys_age_related_problems?open">Kidneys - age related problems - Better Health Channel</a><br/>
The kidneys can be affected or damaged by various diseases. Age increases the risk of problems including inflammation or swelling of the kidneys, diabetes, urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence and renovascular disease. Kidney problems can also increase the risk of other conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Early detection and proper treatment can increase the life of your kidneys.

Content on this website is provided for education and information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your qualified health professional. Content has been prepared for Victorian residence and wider Australian audiences, and was accurate at the time of publication. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users are urged to always seek advice from a qualified health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.

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