preventing kidney

Overview

Kidney disease is a condition where your kidneys become damaged and cannot filter your blood as well as they should. Preventing kidney disease means taking steps to keep your kidneys working well, so they can do their vital job of removing waste and extra fluid from your body.

Yes, kidney disease is common. Around 1 in 10 people worldwide have some degree of chronic kidney disease, and many don't realise it until it has progressed.

Anyone can develop kidney disease, but it is more likely if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney failure, or are over 65.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Most early kidney disease has no symptoms. As it progresses, you may feel more tired than usual, notice swelling in your ankles or feet, or see puffiness around your eyes.
• You might notice changes in how much you pee, or that your urine looks foamy, bloody, or darker than usual.
• Some people get itchy skin, a metallic taste in their mouth, or lose their appetite.

Symptoms in children

• Children with kidney problems may have a poor appetite, grow more slowly than expected, or have urinary tract infections that keep coming back.
• Bedwetting after a child has been toilet trained for a while can sometimes be a sign of a kidney issue.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have symptoms like confusion, reduced appetite, swelling in the legs, or needing to pee more often at night.
• These signs can be easy to mistake for normal aging, so it's important to mention them to a doctor.

Causes

Main causes

• Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney disease. High blood sugar over time damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys.
• High blood pressure is the second most common cause. It puts extra strain on the kidneys and damages their filters.
• Other causes include immune system conditions like glomerulonephritis, repeated urinary tract infections, kidney stones that block urine flow, and inherited conditions like polycystic kidney disease.

Risk factors

• Having diabetes
• Having high blood pressure
• Being over 60
• Having a family history of kidney failure
• Being of African, Caribbean, South Asian, or Hispanic origin — some populations have higher rates of kidney disease
• Smoking
• Being overweight
• Long-term use of certain painkillers such as ibuprofen or naproxen — always follow the label and check with a pharmacist

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You see blood in your urine
• You have sudden swelling in your face, hands, or feet
• You have a burning feeling when you pee, or a fever with back pain

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have diabetes or high blood pressure and are not having regular kidney checks
• You feel unusually tired and have noticed changes in your urination
• You have a family history of kidney disease and are over 40

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose kidney disease by checking how well your kidneys filter your blood. They use a simple calculation from a blood test, called eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate). They also test your urine for a protein called albumin.

Tests that may be done

• Blood test to measure creatinine and calculate eGFR
• Urine test to check for protein or blood
• Blood pressure measurement
• Ultrasound scan of your kidneys

What to expect at your appointment

The tests are quick and painless. You don't need to do much to prepare, though you may be asked not to eat for a few hours if other blood tests are being done. You usually get results within a week, and your doctor will explain what they mean and what to do next.

Treatment

Treatment for kidney disease focuses on slowing down the damage, managing symptoms, and dealing with the underlying cause, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Early treatment can keep your kidneys working longer.

Self-care at home

• Take any prescribed medicines exactly as directed by your doctor
• Limit salt in your diet to help control blood pressure
• Avoid smoking and heavy alcohol intake
• Stay active and keep a healthy weight
• Keep regular appointments with your care team
• Check over-the-counter medicines with a pharmacist — some painkillers can harm kidneys if taken too often

Medical treatments

Depending on the cause and stage, your doctor may prescribe medicines to control blood pressure, lower blood sugar, protect the kidneys, or reduce protein in urine. These are common medicines that have been used for years. If kidney disease reaches the final stage, you may need dialysis — a machine that filters your blood — or a kidney transplant. Your care team will explain all options and support you in making decisions.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is only needed in rare cases, such as a blockage in the urinary tract, kidney cancer, or when a kidney is severely damaged. For kidney failure, a kidney transplant is a surgical option that offers the best long-term outcome for many people.

Living with this condition

Living with kidney disease means making small, consistent choices: taking your medicines, checking your blood pressure if your doctor asks, following a balanced diet, and keeping regular appointments. Many people live well with kidney disease for years with proper care.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay hydrated but don't overdo fluids — follow your doctor's advice on how much to drink
• Eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Limit foods high in salt, like processed snacks and canned soups
• Manage stress through gentle activity or relaxation
• Get enough sleep

Diet and exercise

A kidney-friendly diet is usually low in salt and sometimes lower in protein or potassium, depending on your stage. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most days. Talk to a dietitian or your doctor about what is right for you.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A chronic condition can feel overwhelming. It is common to feel anxious or down after a diagnosis. Be kind to yourself, talk to someone you trust, and consider speaking to a counsellor. If you ever feel in crisis, reach out immediately to your local emergency services or a crisis line.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent kidney disease, but you can greatly lower your risk. The most important steps are: manage diabetes and high blood pressure well, keep a healthy weight, stay active, drink enough fluids, avoid excess salt, don't smoke, and limit painkillers that can hurt the kidneys.

Vaccines

Stay up to date on routine vaccinations such as flu and COVID-19. Getting these can prevent illnesses that might stress your kidneys. Ask your pharmacist or local health service about what is recommended for you.

Screening programmes

Screening is a simple blood and urine test. The NHS regularly checks your kidneys if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. You can ask your doctor about a kidney check even if you feel well.

Complications

If left untreated

• Untreated kidney disease can slowly lead to kidney failure, meaning your kidneys can no longer filter waste from your blood
• It can cause bone disease, anemia, or nerve damage
• It increases your risk of heart attack and stroke

Long-term outlook

The outlook is often positive if kidney disease is found early. Many people live full, active lives for decades with good treatment. Even in advanced stages, treatments like dialysis and transplant can help people thrive.

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