When and why should we examine the kidneys?
Why are kidneys vital?
The kidneys are the main organ that plays a vital role in maintaining a stable balance of fluids, electrolytes, and acidity in the body. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is directly linked to cardiovascular disease, which is why it ranks fifth among all causes of death worldwide.
What is chronic kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease is associated with a decline in kidney function and changes in kidney structure, as well as changes detected by laboratory, instrumental, or imaging tests.
Why are kidney diseases often detected late?
Unfortunately, in most cases of kidney disease, patients do not experience any clinical symptoms. Symptoms only appear in advanced renal failure, when treatment is no longer sufficiently effective. The basic principle in medicine is early diagnosis and timely initiation of treatment, but due to the asymptomatic development of kidney diseases, this is not always possible. Often, CKD is discovered incidentally during examinations for complaints from other organs or systems.
What tests are needed for early detection?
For early detection of kidney disease, it is advisable for everyone to have their urine tested at least once a year. Even minor deviations in this indicator require consultation with a nephrologist.
Even more valuable for the early diagnosis of CKD are tests of certain blood parameters, such as creatinine and uric acid. Most laboratories in the country automatically calculate kidney function – the so-called glomerular filtration rate (GFR or eGFR), which gives an idea of what percentage of kidney function is preserved.
Which patients are at increased risk?
Since diseases such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, gout, obesity, and others gradually and asymptomatically damage the kidneys, patients with such pathologies must regularly consult a nephrologist. This is important both for the treatment of kidney complications and because of the need to adjust the doses of some medications in cases of reduced kidney function.
Kidney function and age
Since many patients over the age of 70 have reduced kidney function, it is essential for the nephrologist to assess whether this is a case of physiological aging of the kidney or an old but diseased kidney that requires treatment.
Conclusion
Take care of your health in time – a simple urine and blood test once a year can detect kidney disease before irreversible damage occurs.
