Signs of Kidney Disease & Treatment Options

Kidney disease is a significant concern for seniors, as the kidneys tend to naturally lose some function with age. However, when this decline becomes more pronounced, it can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition where kidney function deteriorates over time. Recognizing the signs early is critical in managing kidney disease and preventing further complications.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Disease

  1. Fatigue – A reduced ability of the kidneys to filter waste products from the blood can lead to feelings of tiredness and weakness, which may be mistaken for general aging.
  2. Swelling (Edema) – Fluid retention, particularly in the legs, ankles, and feet, is a common sign of declining kidney function. This occurs when the kidneys are unable to maintain a proper fluid balance.
  3. Changes in Urination – Seniors with kidney disease might notice an increase or decrease in urination frequency, urine that is foamy or contains blood, or difficulty urinating.
  4. Shortness of Breath – Excess fluid in the lungs, due to reduced kidney function, can make breathing more difficult.
  5. Nausea and Vomiting – Accumulation of toxins in the body may lead to digestive issues, including nausea and vomiting.
  6. Confusion or Difficulty Concentrating – A buildup of waste products in the blood can negatively impact brain function, leading to confusion or difficulty focusing.
  7. High Blood Pressure – The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure. As kidney function declines, blood pressure can increase, exacerbating the damage to the kidneys.
  8. Persistent Itching – Poor kidney function can lead to an imbalance of minerals, causing toxins to build up in the blood, which can result in itching skin.

IgA Nephropathy (IgAN) and Kidney Disease

One rare but serious form of kidney disease is IgA nephropathy (IgAN). IgAN occurs when the immunoglobulin A (IgA) protein accumulates in the kidneys, causing inflammation and damage to kidney tissues. While IgAN may progress slowly, it is a leading cause of kidney failure. In severe cases, patients may require dialysis or a kidney transplant to manage the disease, as the loss of kidney function is permanent.

Kidney Disease May Be More Common Than You Think

According to the American Kidney Fund, an estimated 35.5 million Americans have kidney disease, and about 808,000 Americans are living with kidney failure. Kidney disease is growing at an alarming rate and now affects more than 1 in 7 (or 14%) of American adults. These numbers highlight the importance of early detection and treatment to manage the disease and prevent further complications. CKD is more prevalent in people the age of 65 and older.

Available Treatment Options for Kidney Disease

A variety of treatments are available for managing kidney disease, each addressing specific patient needs and disease stages. These options range from medications that target the underlying causes to those that help protect kidney function, making it possible to tailor treatment plans based on individual health profiles.

Jynarque (Tolvaptan) – Jynarque is a vasopressin receptor antagonist that helps slow kidney disease progression by reducing cyst growth in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). By decreasing fluid accumulation in the kidneys, it aims to preserve kidney function for a longer period.

  • Pros: Jynarque can significantly slow kidney function decline in patients with ADPKD, potentially delaying the need for dialysis or transplantation.
  • Cons: It may cause liver injury, requiring regular liver function monitoring, and it is only suitable for specific kidney disease types, limiting its use.

Filspari (Sparsentan) – Filspari is a dual endothelin angiotensin receptor antagonist, designed to protect kidney function in patients with IgA nephropathy by reducing proteinuria (excess protein in urine). This drug works by reducing protein loss in the urine, which is critical for slowing disease progression in this type of kidney disease.

  • Pros: Filspari offers targeted action for IgA nephropathy, helping to reduce proteinuria and slow kidney damage progression in a specific patient population.
  • Cons: Filspari’s effectiveness is primarily in patients with IgA nephropathy, and it may cause side effects such as edema and hypotension, requiring careful patient monitoring.

Farxiga (Dapagliflozin) – Farxiga, a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, helps reduce kidney disease progression by decreasing blood glucose levels and lowering blood pressure. This medication is often used in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and also has benefits for those with heart failure.

  • Pros: Farxiga’s mechanism is beneficial for multiple conditions, including CKD, by promoting better glycemic control and blood pressure regulation.
  • Cons: It may lead to side effects such as dehydration, genital infections, and an increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis in some patients, limiting its suitability for certain individuals.

These treatment options provide targeted mechanisms for managing kidney disease, allowing healthcare providers to tailor therapies according to specific patient needs and disease progression stages.

Conclusion

Kidney disease is a serious health issue for seniors, but early detection and management can improve outcomes. Recognizing the symptoms and working closely with healthcare providers to develop a treatment plan can help slow the progression of the disease and maintain quality of life.

DailyAffairsNow is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on DailyAffairsNow.

Sources:
American Kidney Fund
CDC
University of Michigan
NIH