Fear of kidney disease: How to detect it early?

The incidence of kidney disease is increasing, while many cases are still unclear. This makes many people, even without symptoms, still worry about whether they have kidney disease or not.

Next, experts at Bali International Hospital (India) will show you how to recognize the signs of kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. This damage develops over months or years and often has no obvious symptoms in the early stages, so many people don't notice it until the disease is severe.

If left untreated, chronic kidney disease can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. However, there is no other way to detect chronic kidney disease other than testing. Early detection through regular checkups and proper care can slow or prevent kidney damage, according to Bali International Hospital.

Fatigue, decreased energy... can be signs of chronic kidney disease

Illustration: AI

Why is it necessary to detect chronic kidney disease early?

Early detection of chronic kidney disease is important because the disease is often only recognized when the kidneys are severely damaged, making it difficult to treat and sometimes requiring immediate dialysis. The reason is that chronic kidney disease develops silently, without causing pain, and the initial signs are easily overlooked or confused with other conditions.

Without testing, many people don't realize they have kidney problems until it's too late to intervene.

Early detection of kidney disease helps:

• Reduce or delay the need for dialysis.
• Reduce treatment costs.
• Prevent emergency situations.

Therefore, kidney screening should be part of regular health check-ups, especially for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.

The role of regular kidney screening

Chronic kidney disease can silently reduce kidney function to less than 30% before symptoms appear. Regular screening is the best way to detect problems early.

The two main recommended tests are:

Urine test : Checks for the presence of protein in the urine (proteinuria or albumin-creatinine ratio).

Blood tests : Measure creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

These tests are simple, low-cost, and easily accessible. For people at high risk, regular check-ups can help detect kidney damage early and allow timely intervention to prevent the disease from progressing.

Warning signs of kidney disease

In the early stages, chronic kidney disease often has no obvious symptoms, but as the disease progresses, the patient may notice:

• High blood pressure is difficult to control.
• Protein in urine (detected by testing).
• Swelling of the hands, feet, or face.
• Fatigue, loss of energy.
• Changes in the amount or frequency of urination.

These signs do not necessarily mean you have chronic kidney disease, but they should be checked early. The earlier you detect the disease, the better your chances of slowing its progression, avoiding dialysis, and improving your quality of life.

Early detection can save your kidneys and help you live a healthier, longer life.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lo-so-mac-benh-than-lam-sao-de-phat-hien-som-18525102417190451.htm