As of 2024, more than 850 million people globally are affected by some form of kidney disease, making it a significant public health concern.
This figure includes individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), which affects about 9.5% of the world’s population on average, though this prevalence can vary widely by region.
For example, CKD prevalence is higher in regions like Eastern and Central Europe, reaching up to 12.8%
Chronic kidney disease can progress to kidney failure, which requires treatments like dialysis or transplantation, often imposing a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems.
The increase in kidney disease is linked to risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and aging populations.
Raising awareness and improving early detection are crucial to managing the rising number of CKD cases globally.
Kidney illness, particularly chronic kidney disease (CKD), can be dangerous for several reasons:
Silent Progression: Early-stage kidney disease often has few or no symptoms, so many people don’t realize they have it until it’s advanced. This can lead to significant kidney damage before it’s detected.
Loss of Filtration Function: The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood. When they are damaged, waste and toxins can build up in the body, leading to a condition called uremia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, confusion, and other serious complications.
High Blood Pressure: Kidney disease can cause or worsen high blood pressure. High blood pressure, in turn, damages blood vessels in the kidneys, worsening the condition. This creates a vicious cycle that can lead to further kidney damage and cardiovascular issues.
Electrolyte Imbalance: Kidneys help regulate levels of essential minerals, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. When kidney function declines, these levels can become unbalanced, leading to dangerous conditions like hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), which can cause heart rhythm problems or even cardiac arrest.
Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Kidney disease is closely linked with heart disease. People with CKD are more likely to die from cardiovascular complications than from kidney failure itself, as the strain on the heart increases due to fluid retention, high blood pressure, and toxin buildup.
Progression to Kidney Failure: Untreated or progressive CKD can eventually lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where the kidneys no longer function well enough to maintain life. At this stage, dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed to survive.
Complications of Treatment: For patients who reach kidney failure and require dialysis, the treatment itself can be challenging and carries risks such as infections, blood clots, and cardiovascular strain.
Because kidney disease is so interconnected with other bodily systems, the complications can be life-threatening if not managed properly. Regular monitoring and early intervention are crucial to preventing its progression.
How To Prevent Kidney Chronic Disease
Preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD) involves taking steps to protect kidney health and manage risk factors. Here are key strategies for prevention:
Control Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney damage. Keeping blood pressure within a normal range (below 130/80 mm Hg) helps prevent kidney disease progression.
Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Diabetes is another major cause of CKD. Managing blood sugar levels through medication, diet, and regular monitoring can prevent or delay kidney damage in people with diabetes
Maintain a Healthy Diet: A diet low in salt, processed foods, and saturated fats can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to promote kidney health.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking sufficient water helps kidneys clear toxins and prevents the formation of kidney stones, which can lead to kidney damage. However, overhydration should be avoided.
Limit NSAID Use: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can harm the kidneys if taken regularly or in high doses. Limiting their use can protect kidney function.
Avoid Smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys and accelerates the progression of kidney disease. Quitting smoking improves overall kidney health.
Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity helps control weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar, all of which are essential for preventing CKD.
Regular Screening: People at higher risk of CKD, such as those with a family history, diabetes, or hypertension, should have regular kidney function tests to catch any issues early.
How To Easily Detect If You Are At Risk Of Having Kidney Failure
By following these lifestyle changes and monitoring health, the risk of developing CKD can be significantly reduced.
