Kidney Disease: Kidney disease will become the fifth leading cause of death by 2040, a frightening revelation in the Lancet report.
Kidney Function: When kidney function begins to decline, the body often doesn't show any obvious signs in the early stages. This is why chronic kidney disease is called a silent disease.
What are the early signs of kidney disease?
Early Warning Signs Of Chronic Kidney Disease: The kidneys in our body work tirelessly day and night. They play a vital role in filtering waste products from the blood, maintaining fluid balance in the body, controlling blood pressure, and keeping bones and blood vessels healthy. However, the worrying thing is that when kidney function begins to decline, the body often does not give any clear signs in the initial stages. This is why chronic kidney disease is considered a silent disease.
Why is kidney disease increasing worldwide?
Three research papers recently published in the medical journal The Lancet warn that chronic kidney disease is becoming one of the world's fastest-growing health challenges. According to the report, approximately 788 to 844 million adults worldwide are affected by the disease, and it could become the fifth leading cause of death globally by 2040.
Experts say that factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and aging are responsible for the rise in kidney disease. Furthermore, today's erratic lifestyle and poor diet are also putting additional strain on the kidneys. The World Health Organization also acknowledges that kidney disease often progresses without symptoms in the early stages, making timely diagnosis crucial.
Why is it important to detect kidney disease early?
The Lancet's first study reported that new technologies are now being used to diagnose kidney disease. Estimated glomerular filtration rate tests, albuminuria tests, advanced imaging, artificial intelligence, and other modern techniques are helping detect the disease at an early stage. Researchers believe that the earlier the disease is detected, the better the kidneys can be protected.
What is the difference between kidney disease in men and women?
Another study revealed an interesting finding. Researchers found that kidney disease does not affect men and women in the same way. Kidney structure, disease progression, and response to treatment can vary. Therefore, future efforts are being made to make kidney disease treatments more personalized and tailored to suit individual needs.
A ray of hope is shining.
The third study is promising. It showed that newer drugs, such as SGLT2 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, and other advanced treatments, have shown promising results in slowing the progression of kidney disease. These drugs may also help improve heart health. However, experts note that patients often have co-occurring conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, requiring comprehensive treatment.
What things cause problems to the kidneys?
According to Aman Puri, Founder, Steadfast Nutrition, poor eating habits can also negatively impact the kidneys. He says that a high-protein diet, excessive salt, sugar, and unhealthy fat intake can put additional strain on the kidneys. He cautions that symptoms such as persistent swelling in the hands, feet, or around the eyes, changes in urine, foamy urine, persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, a metallic taste in the mouth, and muscle cramps at night should not be ignored.