One in ten elderly people is affected! Common symptoms of chronic kidney disease, how many do you have?

As time goes by, our bodies begin to show various signs of aging. Loose skin, hearing loss, osteoporosis, memory loss... These phenomena are familiar to everyone. But did you know that behind these seemingly ordinary changes, there is an unsung but vital organ that is also gradually aging - that is our kidneys .

Kidney changes in the elderly

When people reach a certain age, their kidney function will also decline. Studies have shown that from the age of 40, a person's glomerular filtration rate will gradually decrease at a rate of about 1% per year. This means that the kidney's ability to remove metabolic waste from the body is weakened year by year , increasing the risk of chronic kidney disease.

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In China, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease among people over 60 years old has reached 13.2%-24.2% , and it is as high as 64.1% among people over 80 years old. It can be said that one in ten elderly people may be affected by this disease.

Don’t let the word “chronic” paralyze you

Many elderly people tend not to be too nervous when they hear the word " chronic ", thinking that the disease progresses slowly and is not a big problem. But in fact, if chronic kidney disease is ignored, the consequences may be fatal.

It is a progressive disease with no obvious early symptoms, but over time, it may develop into uremia and threaten life. Therefore, it is very important to raise awareness of chronic kidney disease.

Beware of these signs

Frequent urination at night: If you find yourself needing to get up multiple times during the night to go to the bathroom, this could be the first warning from your kidneys.

Urine contains a lot of foam and it is difficult to disappear: Normal urine should be clear and transparent. If you find that there is a lot of foam and it persists, you need to pay attention.

Hematuria: An occasional episode of hematuria is not a cause for concern, but if it occurs repeatedly, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Swelling of the eyelids or lower limbs: This is caused by the inability of the body to excrete water normally.

Increased blood pressure: Hypertension is one of the important causes of chronic kidney disease and one of its common manifestations.

Unexplained loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting: When toxins accumulate too much, it will affect the function of the digestive system.

Unusual tiredness and weakness: Feeling exhausted for a long time may also be related to poor kidney function.

Preventive measures are essential

1. Low-salt diet: Reduce salt intake and control it to no more than 6 grams per day to help reduce the burden on the kidneys.

2. Supplement protein in moderation : Although it is important to maintain a good nutritional status, for the elderly, excessive protein intake will increase the workload of the kidneys.

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3. Strictly manage the "four highs": high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high blood lipids and high uric acid levels, which are the culprits that damage kidney health.

4. Rational use of drugs: Avoid abusing drugs, especially over-the-counter drugs, especially those that may be harmful to the kidneys such as certain painkillers.

5. Regular check-ups: It is recommended to have a comprehensive physical examination every six months to one year, and pay special attention to urine routine, kidney function and other related indicators.