This Condition Goes Undetected in 1 in 7 Adults

When we feel good, many of us avoid seeing the doctor. While some of us may go for our annual checkup, others choose to skip it. Yet, especially as we mature, there may be silent, nearly symptomless conditions that could prove deadly without medical intervention. And unless we're being tested, we can't know things are going south.

Even when we feel well, undergoing routine health check-ups could be a life-saving measure. Consider this: 1 in 7 US adults unknowingly suffers from chronic kidney disease (CKD).  Unknowingy. And CKD can be life-threatening. Here’s what we should all know about this condition. 

Signs of Kidney Disease

There are five stages of kidney disease. In the early stages, there are generally no signs at all. Early symptoms may include headache, frequent urination and fatigue. Some patients may notice foamy urine or blood in their urine. As CKD progresses, ankle and foot swelling, puffiness around the eyes, itchy skin, a poor appetite and back pain are the main signs. 

CKD occurs when the kidneys can no longer filter toxins from the bloodstream properly. This buildup presents in the urine as waste particles are not broken down and excreted properly. When this occurs, the glomerular filtration rate, or GFR, is affected. The lower the GFR number, the worse the stage of the disease and overall loss of kidney function. 

Risk Factors

Genetics and hereditary conditions related to kidney function can put people at a greater risk for CKD. But certain conditions like diabetes, heart disease, hyperlipidemia and high blood pressure can contribute to kidney damage over time. The main job of the kidneys is to flush out toxins. Having high blood pressure or blood sugar can make them work harder and eventually give out sooner. 

To compensate for decreasing levels of kidney performance, doctors may prescribe medications or start a patient on a dialysis machine so the body can function properly.  

Although having a family history of kidney disease or personal health risk factors can increase our likelihood of developing CKD, it’s important to note that no one is immune. Anyone, at any age, can be diagnosed with the condition. And that's why so many have no idea it's happening to them.

Getting Screened 

 Diagnosing CKD may involve several steps. These include: 

• Blood tests will determine how well the kidneys are functioning. GFR, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (a waste product that our kidneys filter) levels will let the doctor know how efficiently the kidneys function. 

• A urine test will look for protein (albumin) and blood in the urine. If there is an abnormal amount of protein or blood, kidney damage might already exist. 

• An ultrasound, MRI or CT scan of the kidneys and bladder will look for structural abnormalities, blockages or tumors. 

• A kidney biopsy might help determine the cause of kidney disease and the extent of damage that has occurred. 

The doctor will compare previous lab results and evaluate health histories to determine whether the patient is experiencing an acute kidney injury, chronic disease, or another cause of kidney damage. 

Sometimes infection, medication or a sudden injury can trigger abnormal or fluctuating test results. A re-check is often requested to establish an accurate diagnosis. If results repeatedly indicate CKD, doctors generally recommend a biopsy. 

Preventative Care

While there is no cure for CKD, doctors recommend disease management to prevent progression and total failure with varying degrees of success. Awareness is the key. Because 1 in 7 adults don't even know they have kidney disease, perhaps we should consider annual screening for kidney function and conditions contributing to CKD, like high blood pressure and diabetes. CKD prevention is much easier than treatment. By testing regularly, we can treat contributing conditions with the right medication combinations and lifestyle changes to help moderate kidney health, potentially keeping CKD at bay. 

A diagnosis of CKD can be frightening and life-changing. Yet, we may have more power over the situation than we realize by acting early. Simple blood and urine screenings each year could make a difference for many people. So no more skipping those annual exams. Knowledge, especially about our bodies and how they are performing, is power. 

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