Did you know that around 1 in 10 Australians have signs of chronic kidney disease?

Kidney disease is the general term for when the kidneys are damaged and not functioning as they should (more on this later). If a person has kidney disease for over three months, it’s considered chronic kidney disease (CKD).  

The kidneys are part of the urinary tract and help to produce urine and then expels it via the ureters and into the bladder. If the kidneys are compromised, this process can be disrupted and can cause a number of urinary-related issues such as urinary tract infections (UTIs).

But the big question is, can kidney disease cause incontinence? Let’s explore the link between the two conditions…

What is the key role of the kidneys?

First, it’s helpful to understand in more depth what our two kidneys do for our bodies, to better understand the side-effects if they aren't functioning properly.

 

And, yes, they do a lot more than just help produce urine! Keep reading below to find out more...

Kidneys remove waste

The kidneys excrete waste toxins from your bloodstream. Between them, your two kidneys filter 200 litres of fluid every 24 hours, and get rid of around 8 cups worth of urine.

Kidneys manage blood pressure

These clever organs help produce an enzyme (renin) that controls the production of a hormone called adosterone which helps to regulate blood pressure by managing levels of sodium and potassium in the body.

Kidneys help produce red blood cells

They do this through the production of a hormone called erythropoietin. Your red blood cells help bring oxygen to the lungs and provide the body with energy.

They keep your bones healthy

By producing vitamin D, your kidneys help your body absorb calcium for building and maintaining your bones, and regulating muscle function.

What are the causes of kidney disease?

Now we know what the role of the kidneys is, let’s explore how kidney disease, and chronic kidney disease, can occur.

The most common cause of chronic kidney disease in the UK is diabetes and high blood pressure. High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys’ blood vessels, affecting how effectively they filter waste and toxins.

Other causes include:

• A previous kidney injury, infection or cyst
• High blood pressure
• Family history of kidney disease
• ​​Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract brought on by kidney stones, enlarged prostate, or cancer
• Being over the age of 60
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking
• Heart attack, heart failure or stroke

When the kidneys don’t work properly, wastes and fluid build up inside the body, which can cause other serious health issues.

If you experience any of the above risk factors, be sure to monitor your kidney health with your doctor. They will create a management plan suited to your needs.

What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

Kidney disease is primarily a silent condition because there typically aren’t any warning signs. However, once kidney disease begins to progress, you may start to feel unwell.

Some symptoms you might notice are:

• High blood pressure
• Changes in frequency and amount of urination (including waking up during the night to urinate)
• Frothy or foamy urine
• Blood in the urine
• Pain in the kidney region
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting
• Poor concentration
• Headaches
• Itchy skin
• Pins and needles in fingers and/or toes
• Restless legs
• Metallic taste in the mouth and/or bad breath
• Puffiness in legs, ankles and/or around the eyes

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, or are generally concerned about your kidney health, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Can kidney disease cause incontinence?

Ok, now we understand more about kidney function, and the causes and symptoms of kidney disease, it’s time to look into the link with incontinence.

Kidney disease, and chronic kidney disease, mean the organs don’t filter toxins and fluid as they should, therefore allowing more fluid to make its way to the urinary tract which causes increased urine frequency.

Frequent urination can be an early symptom of urge incontinence - one of the types of urinary incontinence.

While there is still plenty of research to be done regarding the link between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and incontinence, one study of 40 patients with renal failure found that:

• 77% of patients had varying degrees of abnormalities in lower urinary tract function
• 38% had poor bladder compliance
• 30% experienced bladder hypersensitivity
• 25% had detrusor (bladder muscle) instability

But what about bowel incontinence?

Another study found that it is in fact common for patients with CKD to experience signs and symptoms of abnormal bowel health. However, there can be a disconnect between patient perceptions and clinical definitions of what abnormal bowel health is.

A different body of research into CKD and bowel incontinence, found that constipation is highly prevalent in patients with CKD, and is primarily characterised by decreased intestinal motility. Other causes of constipation in patients with CKD include certain medications, dietary changes, oxidative stress, gut dysbiosis and lifestyle factors such as decreased physical activity.

Diarrhoea can also be a symptom of acute kidney failure.

How do you prevent kidney disease?

There are some lifestyle changes you can make to keep your kidneys as healthy as possible and prevent kidney disease.

• Manage your weight. Being overweight increases your risk of high blood pressure and diabetes which can lead to an increased risk of kidney disease.
• Eat a whole food diet. Include a variety of fruit and vegetables in your diet, and avoid high salt, sugar and fatty foods.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks.
• Exercise regularly, ideally for at least 30 minutes a day.
• Don’t smoke.
• Reduce alcohol intake. That means less than 2 standard drinks per day.
• Find effective, healthy ways to reduce your stress levels.
• Know your risk factors and family history, so you can get your kidneys checked regularly.

If you're experiencing incontinence issues due to kidney disease, please view our range of continence management products. No matter what your level of need, we have a product to suit you.

*This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Incontinence can be caused by a variety of underlying health conditions and is best diagnosed and treated by a healthcare professional. If you are experiencing incontinence, we strongly recommend that you consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.