Kidney disease, the silent killer: Your comprehensive guide to prevention and screening
The Ministry of Health confirmed that kidney disease is one of the most prominent chronic health challenges worldwide, affecting more than 850 million people in some form. The Ministry noted that this disease often develops silently, without any clear symptoms in its early stages, making awareness of it extremely important.
She explained that early detection through simple blood and urine tests significantly contributes to slowing disease progression and reducing the need for complex dialysis treatments. She noted that those most at risk include diabetics and those with high blood pressure.
The global and local context for addressing kidney disease
Historically, global attention to dedicating a day to raising awareness about kidney health began in 2006, through a joint initiative by the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations. This move came in response to the alarming rise in kidney failure rates worldwide. This annual event aims to highlight the importance of kidneys to overall human health and to reduce the impact of kidney disease and related health problems worldwide.
The health and economic impact of raising awareness
Raising community awareness has a significant impact at the local, regional, and international levels. Locally, this approach aligns with the goals of health transformation programs that prioritize prevention over treatment, thereby reducing the burden on healthcare systems. Regionally and internationally, awareness campaigns and early screening contribute to lowering mortality rates associated with cardiovascular complications, which often result from kidney failure, saving billions of dollars spent annually on advanced medical care.
The importance of early detection and kidney function
In this context, Dr. Saad Al-Shehaib, a consultant in kidney diseases, confirmed that the kidneys play a vital and essential role in purifying the blood from toxins, regulating the balance of fluids and salts, controlling blood pressure, in addition to secreting hormones necessary for the health of the blood and bones.
Dr. Saad Al-Shehaib
He explained that chronic kidney failure is one of the most widespread non-communicable diseases, as statistics and medical studies indicate that one in ten people may suffer from impaired kidney function to varying degrees, and this often occurs without any prior warning in the early stages.
Recent medical developments in treatment
Dr. Al-Shuhaib explained that recent medical advancements have revolutionized the treatment of kidney failure. New medications have proven highly effective in slowing the decline of kidney function and reducing the risk of reaching complete kidney failure, thus improving patients' health and quality of life. He emphasized the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle based on a balanced diet, reducing salt and processed food intake, drinking sufficient water, and avoiding the indiscriminate use of painkillers and unlicensed supplements.
Daily habits that increase the risk of kidney disease
For his part, Dr. Sultan Saud Al-Khatib, a consultant in kidney and urological surgery and oncology, explained that there are many incorrect daily behaviors that increase the risk of developing the disease. Among the most prominent of these habits are excessive salt intake, frequent use of painkillers without medical supervision, neglecting to drink enough water, as well as smoking, obesity, and lack of physical activity.
Dr. Sultan Al-Khatib
He pointed out that neglecting to control chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure is the main cause of kidney dysfunction. Prolonged high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels within the kidneys, while high blood pressure puts constant strain on these vessels, leading to their gradual scarring.
Early prevention and dealing with risk factors
For her part, Dr. Al-Anoud Al-Shami, a consultant in pediatric nephrology and kidney transplantation, confirmed that a large percentage of kidney-related health problems and stones can be completely avoided through early intervention of risk factors. She added that poor daily habits contribute to increased salt concentration in urine and raise the likelihood of developing painful stones.
Dr. Al-Anoud Al-Shami
She explained that the danger lies in the absence of clear symptoms at the outset, as the problem is often only discovered after a significant decline in vital functions. Among the most prominent later signs are swelling of the feet or face, changes in urine color or quantity, and the appearance of foam in the urine.
The silent killer: When do the symptoms appear?
In conclusion, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Otaimi, a consultant in internal medicine and nephrology, explained that this disease is known as the “silent killer” because its symptoms do not appear until very advanced stages. He emphasized the importance of regular checkups, which are recommended every six months for healthy individuals, and more frequently for those with diabetes and hypertension.
He noted that later symptoms include nausea, extreme fatigue, and shortness of breath. He emphasized that true prevention begins with maintaining a healthy weight, drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration, and completely avoiding excessive consumption of caffeinated beverages and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which directly damage kidney tissue.
