There is a clear message from medical professionals this Kidney Health Week: Don’t be blind to kidney disease.
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It is an important message, and a message that should be listened to.
Statistics show that 90 per cent of kidney function can be lost without experiencing any symptoms.
That is a confronting figure that perhaps partly explains why the disease can be missed.
Kidney Health Australia says one in three people across the country is at risk of kidney disease, and even though 53 people die everyday with this “highly undiagnosed” condition, most people are unaware they are affected until it’s too late.
The message, ‘Don’t be blind to kidney disease’, is intended to encourage people to learn the risk factors and find out if they’re the one in three at risk. That means, don’t wait until you feel sick.
The message, really, is prevention.
Catching kidney disease early gives people the best chance at treating or preventing it.
Launceston General Hospital kidney specialist Dr Rajesh Raj says most of his patients are referred by general practitioners afer being diagnosed with kidney disease.
He says the North’s “renal rollercoaster” has reached new heights.
“There is a huge lack of understanding amongst the public about what kidney disease is, who has it and who needs to be checked for it,” he said.
“One of the reasons is because kidney disease, unlike other illnesses, has very few symptoms.”
The only way to reduce the high number of people with kidney disease, and the number of people on dialysis, is to catch it earlier.
Dr Raj says it can be as simple as a urine test, blood pressure test and blood test.
Kidney Health Australia has a simple test on its website that can tell you whether you’re at risk of kidney disease.
It is, however, better to talk to your GP about your potential risk.
The message we’re getting, loud and clear, from specialists in this field is to act and prevent, rather than waiting for symtoms.
It’s up to members of the community to act on that advice, and for governments and departments to help spread that message.
The impact on mortality and quality of life could be significant.