By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Chronic kidney disease can progress quietly for years, causing significant damage before a person experiences noticeable symptoms. That makes early testing especially important for Black adults, who experience disproportionately high rates of kidney failure.
The kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, regulate important minerals and help control blood pressure. Diabetes and high blood pressure—the two leading causes of kidney disease—can gradually damage the kidneys’ small blood vessels.
Warning signs may eventually include swelling in the feet or ankles, persistent fatigue, changes in urination, nausea, itching, muscle cramps and difficulty concentrating. However, waiting for symptoms can allow the disease to reach an advanced stage.
Two tests can help uncover kidney damage earlier. The estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR, is calculated from a blood test and measures how effectively the kidneys filter blood. A urine albumin-creatinine ratio, known as uACR, detects albumin leaking into the urine. Albumin in urine may signal kidney damage even when an eGFR result appears normal.
People with diabetes, hypertension, heart disease or a family history of kidney failure should ask their healthcare providers how frequently they need testing. Patients should also discuss medications, over-the-counter pain relievers and herbal supplements because some products may harm the kidneys or interact with treatment.
Controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, reducing excess sodium, remaining physically active and taking prescribed medicines properly may help protect kidney function.
Kidney disease is not always preventable, but finding it early can create more opportunities to slow its progression. A simple blood test and urine test could provide information that symptoms will not.