The body warns you when something is not working properly. In the case of chronic kidney disease, it is important to be aware of the signs, as the development of kidney problems is asymptomatic. Urologist Rodrigo Lima highlights that 50% of patients discover chronic kidney disease only when the problem is already advanced.
Asymptomatic progression is an obstacle to the successful treatment of patients, which is why the urologist recommends adopting healthy lifestyle habits. But, basically, notice five signs from the body that could warn that the kidneys are not working properly: urine color, pain, high blood pressure, family history, and attention after the age of forty.
“Clear or translucent urine are signs that your body is properly hydrated. Very concentrated, yellowish urine may mean you are taking in too little fluid, especially water,” he said. However, when urine is brown, black, or contains blood, it is a warning. To seek medical assistance.
Occurrence of cases in the family
Rodrigo Lima recommends paying attention to back pain, cramps and vomiting. “In the vast majority of cases, these signs indicate a problem with kidney stones,” he says. “Don’t neglect that,” he stresses. In addition, the health professional calls for research into the family history of the disease.
“A family history of kidney disease or people on dialysis is important. If you have relatives who suffer or have had these health problems, it is helpful to see a doctor who specializes in kidney health for proper evaluation.
Routine examination
High blood pressure and diabetes are diseases associated with chronic kidney failure. In this case, the doctor recommends preventive examinations, such as an annual health examination.
“Keep your screening tests up to date; In addition, pay attention to your diet, engage in regular physical activity, and maintain the appropriate weight. According to Lima, these habits reduce the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, which also reduces the risk of kidney problems.
The doctor says checkups are very important for people over 40 years old. “A simple ultrasound of the abdomen already provides us with valuable information about the kidneys. Kidney tumors develop silently in most cases, and symptoms usually only appear in cases where the size of the lesions is larger than 5-7 cm,” he explains.
Chronic kidney failure
Chronic kidney disease affects 23 million people in Brazil alone, or 11% of the population. It is characterized by heterogeneous changes that affect the structure and function of the kidneys, which can cause multiple risk factors for the functioning of the body.
The Brazilian Society of Nephrology (SBN) reports that 140,000 patients are already undergoing dialysis in the country, an essential procedure when the kidneys no longer filter the blood and eliminate harmful waste from the body on their own. Moreover, the World Health Organization revealed that the disease is expected to become the fifth leading cause of death in the world by 2040.
This content is in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)in the United Nations 2030 Agenda. In this regard, Goal 03 of the Sustainable Development Goals – Health and Well-Being.
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