sciencenewsnet.in

Risk for chronic kidney disease even more critical due to COVID-19 pandemic

ROCHESTER, Minn. — An estimated 1 in 10 people worldwide have chronic kidney disease, but most of them don’t know it. That lack of awareness is especially concerning because people with chronic kidney disease who are infected with COVID-19 are at higher risk for serious illness.

It is important that people understand their risk for developing chronic kidney disease and take steps to prevent it, says Andrew Bentall, M.B., Ch.B., M.D., a Mayo Clinic nephrologist.

“Managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity will reduce the chances of developing kidney disease,” Dr. Bentall says. “Once an individual has chronic kidney disease, there mostly is no current cure. But early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent kidney failure and the need for a kidney transplant.”

Thursday, March 11, is World Kidney Day. To raise awareness, Mayo Clinic will light the Plummer Building in Rochester, Mayo Clinic Hospital in Arizona and the main entrance to Mayo Clinic in Florida orange. Nearly 108,000 people are on the waitlist in the U.S. for a lifesaving kidney transplant, according to the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.

Kidneys play a critical role in the body, filtering waste and excess fluid from the body, which are excreted in urine. Chronic kidney disease describes the gradual loss of kidney function.

Below are some key facts to know about chronic kidney disease:

Sandra Herrmann, M.D., a Mayo Clinic nephrologist, has a key piece of advice for people at high risk of developing chronic kidney disease. “Don’t wait to talk to your doctor about kidney health,” Dr. Herrmann says. “There are simple blood and urine tests that can detect chronic kidney disease. The earlier kidney failure is diagnosed, the better the chance of preventing kidney failure and reducing the risk of other complications such as heart attacks and strokes.”

###

About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news.