Kidney Disease on the rise: The Importance of Early Detection Through Two Key Tests
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a growing health concern, frequently enough going undetected due to its subtle early symptoms. The kidneys are remarkably resilient, compensating for damage in the initial stages, which means individuals may not realize they have a problem until it’s advanced.Early diagnosis,however,is crucial as new treatments can significantly delay or even prevent the need for dialysis.
For individuals aged 55 to 70 with at least one risk factor – including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or hypertension – annual check-ups are strongly recommended.These check-ups should specifically include two key tests: albuminuria and creatininemia.
Albuminuria measures the amount of albumin (a protein) in the urine. Elevated levels can indicate kidney damage. Creatininemia measures the level of creatinine, a waste product, in the blood.Higher levels suggest the kidneys aren’t filtering waste effectively.
Early detection allows for treatment with new drugs that can potentially lead to remission and postpone dialysis by as much as 27 years, improving patient health, reducing caregiver burden, and lowering healthcare costs. currently, approximately 50,000 people in Italy require dialysis, a treatment costing the national health service around €50,000 per patient annually – totaling 2% of national health spending.
Efforts are underway to integrate kidney disease screening into routine care through general practitioners, and a shift towards more home-based therapies, like peritoneal dialysis, is being encouraged to improve sustainability of care.
Beyond regular testing, preventative lifestyle choices are vital. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, following a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity are all beneficial. Adequate hydration (1.5 to 2 liters of water daily, particularly for those prone to kidney stones or urinary infections) and moderate salt intake are also critically important, especially considering the impact of climate change and potential drops in blood pressure during hot weather.
