In The Lancet, a major global study has revealed that nearly half of the estimated 844 million people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide remain undiagnosed, a growing public health problem which threatens millions of lives.
It was also found that while the disease affects nearly one in 10 people in the world, awareness is alarmingly low. Many people with chronic kidney disease are unable to show symptoms early on and the disease progresses in silent ways until kidney damage has already occurred.
By the time symptoms appear, patients require intensive treatment such as dialysis or kidney transplantation.
The report notes that early diagnosis is one of the most effective ways to prevent complications. Blood and urine tests can detect kidney damage long before serious symptoms develop. But without a lot of access to healthcare, no routine screening, and low public awareness, millions are still undiagnosed, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Chronic kidney disease occurs when kidneys gradually lose the ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. Left untreated, the condition can develop into kidney failure, in which case cardiovascular disease, stroke, and premature death are likely.
According to the study, diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of CKD worldwide. Other risk factors are obesity, smoking, aging, family history of kidney disease, and certain autoimmune disorders. Those who have these risk factors must undergo regular kidney health screenings to detect the problem early, the investigators say.
The Lancet study also highlighted big differences in diagnosis rates between countries. Wealthy countries have more screening programs and specialist care in place, whereas there are shortages of trained healthcare workers and diagnostic facilities in most developing countries. Such disparities are a major reason for delays in diagnosis and worse health outcomes.
Health professionals are calling on governments to strengthen national screening programs, especially for high-risk populations. Better awareness among healthcare providers and the general public might help early detection of kidney disease and reduce the burden of advanced kidney failure.
Lifestyle changes are also important for avoiding chronic kidney disease. Good blood pressure and blood sugar levels, eating healthily, going to work out regularly, staying hydrated, and avoiding tobacco and painkillers help to keep kidney health good.
The findings are a reminder that chronic kidney disease deserves much greater international attention in the light of other major non-communicable diseases. Millions of cases are not detected, and greater access to affordable screening and raising public awareness will save untold lives and potentially lower the price of serious kidney disease.
Medical professionals hope the study will encourage policymakers to invest more in kidney health programs and routine screening programs. Early detection not only results in better outcomes for patients but also lowers costs for longer-term medication dialysis and kidney transplantation.
The Lancet report emphasizes the need to make kidney health a public health priority before silent damage becomes irreversible; chronic kidney disease is an increasing global problem.
