The kidneys filter the blood and aid get rid of wastes and extra fluid from the body. The kidneys also assist manage the body’s chemical balance.
The kidneys are part of the urinary system, which likewise consists of the ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Muscle changes and changes in the reproductive system can affect bladder control.
Kidney Disease in Older Adults
AGING CHANGES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE KIDNEYS AND BLADDER
As you age, your kidneys and bladder modification. This can impact their function.
Modifications in the kidneys that occur with age:
- Quantity of kidney tissue decreases.
- Variety of filtering systems (nephrons) decreases. Nephrons filter waste material from the blood.
- Blood vessels supplying the kidneys can end up being hardened. This causes the kidneys to filter blood more gradually.
Modifications in the bladder:
- The bladder wall modifications. The elastic tissue ends up being difficult and the bladder becomes less stretchy. The bladder can not hold as much urine as before.
- The bladder muscles weaken.
- The urethra can end up being obstructed. In women, this can be due to weakened muscles that cause the bladder or vagina to fall out of position (prolapse). In men, the urethra can become obstructed by a bigger prostate gland.
In a healthy aging individual, kidney function remains normal. But disease, medications, and other conditions can affect kidney function.
Also read: Prolapsed (Fallen) Bladder: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
COMMON PROBLEMS
Aging increases the risk of kidney and bladder issues such as:
- Bladder control issues, such as leakage or urinary incontinence (not being able to hold your urine), or urinary retention (not having the ability to totally empty your bladder)
- Bladder and other urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Chronic kidney disease
WHEN TO CONTACT A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Call your healthcare company right away if you have any of the following:
- Signs of a urinary tract infection, including fever or chills, burning when urinating, nausea and vomiting, extreme exhaustion, or low back pain
- Very dark urine or fresh blood in the urine
- Difficulty urinating
- Urinating regularly than usual
- Unexpected have to urinate (urinary urgency)
As you get older, you will have other modifications, including:
- In the bones, muscles, and joints
- In the male reproductive system
- In the female reproductive system
- In organs, tissues, and cells
