You May Have Kidney Disease and Don't Know It

Nurse Dee
6 days ago
5 min read

Kidney disease affects millions of people in the United States, often without their knowledge. It is a silent condition that can progress quietly until serious damage occurs. This disease is the 9th leading cause of death in the US and kills over 80,000 Americans annually. Nationwide, about 37 million people are living with chronic kidney disease, though 90 percent are unaware they have it. Understanding the prevalence, causes, and prevention strategies is essential to protect your health and well-being.

Kidney Disease Prevalence in the United States

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) impacts approximately 15% of U.S. adults, which translates to about 37 million people. The disease does not discriminate, but certain groups face higher risks. Older adults, especially those over 60, are more commonly affected. African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans experience higher rates of kidney disease compared to other ethnic groups. This disparity is closely linked to the prevalence of underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypertension within these populations.

Despite its widespread impact, many people remain unaware they have kidney disease. Early stages often show no symptoms, which makes regular screening and awareness critical.

Common Issues and Causes of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to effectively filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. This can lead to dangerous buildups of waste, fluid imbalances, and complications affecting other organs.

The most common causes of kidney disease include:

Diabetes: High blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their filtering ability. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the U.S.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Elevated blood pressure strains the kidneys, causing damage over time.
Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units can impair function.
Polycystic Kidney Disease: A genetic disorder causing cysts to form in the kidneys.
Prolonged use of certain medications: Overuse of painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs can harm kidney function.
Prostate Issues: Although not in the top causes of kidney disease, a malfunctioning prostate can cause the bladder to not empty properly. This condition can cause urine to back up into the kidney.

Other risk factors include obesity, smoking, family history of kidney disease, and older age.

How to Protect Your Kidneys: Practical Steps

Preventing or slowing kidney disease requires a combination of lifestyle changes, regular health monitoring, and informed choices. Here are actionable steps you can take:

1. Manage Diabetes and Blood Pressure

Monitor blood sugar levels regularly if you have diabetes.
Keep blood pressure within the recommended range (generally below 130/80 mm Hg).
Follow your healthcare provider’s advice on medications and lifestyle adjustments.

Our article, Reduce and control your high blood pressure, learn how, provides tips on maintaining a healthy blood pressure.

2. Adopt a Kidney-Friendly Diet

Reduce salt intake to help control blood pressure.
Limit processed foods and avoid excessive protein intake, as it can strain the kidneys.
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Stay hydrated but avoid excessive fluid intake if advised by your doctor.

Read our article on healthy eating called 10 Unhealthy Foods That Kill. Our article on the Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods provides great ideas.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight and Exercise

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly.
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of diabetes and hypertension.

Our article, Unlocking The Life-Extending Benefits of Exercise and Benefits of Exercises for Seniors Over 65, provides multiple tips on losing weight and staying healthy.

4. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol

Smoking damages blood vessels and worsens kidney function.
Limit alcohol consumption as it can increase blood pressure and harm the kidneys.

5. Schedule Regular Check-Ups

Get screened for kidney function if you have risk factors.
Tests include blood tests for creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and urine tests for protein.
Have your prostate checked annually for those over 65.
Early detection allows for timely interventions.

6. Use Medications Wisely

Avoid overusing over-the-counter painkillers like NSAIDs.
Discuss all medications and supplements with your healthcare provider to avoid kidney damage.

Changing your eating and lifestyle habits can improve your chances of having healthy kidneys.

Nurse Dee is a personal life coach who helps parents improve their family’s health. With over 30 years of medical experience, she loves helping others prevent high blood pressure and reverse type 2 diabetes. Contact her for advice at tips4living.org. She has published many articles on health-related issues, so read them in her health blog posts.

Close-up view of a healthy kidney model on a medical table — Model of a healthy kidney showing internal structures

Recognizing Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Kidney disease often shows no symptoms until advanced stages. When symptoms appear, they may include:

Fatigue and weakness
Swelling in the ankles, feet, or around the eyes
Changes in urination frequency or appearance
Persistent itching
Shortness of breath

If you experience these signs, especially if you have risk factors, consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Prioritize Your Kidney Health Today

Kidney disease is a serious but often overlooked health issue. By understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, you can protect your kidneys and overall health. Regular check-ups, managing chronic conditions, and making healthy lifestyle choices are your best defenses.

If you have risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure, do not wait for symptoms to appear. Talk to your doctor about kidney screening tests and how to keep your kidneys functioning well for years to come.

Your kidneys work hard every day to keep your body balanced. Return the favor by caring for them with attention and action. Your health depends on it.