KIDNEY DISEASE SCREENING AND PREVENTATIVE GUIDANCE
Kidney disease screening is important for several reasons:
EARLY DETECTION
Screening helps in the early detection of kidney disease, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. Early stages of kidney disease often do not present noticeable symptoms, and screening tests can help identify kidney problems before they progress to more advanced and potentially irreversible stages.
PREVENTION AND RISK ASSESSMENT
Screening tests can help identify individuals who are at a higher risk of developing kidney disease. Risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of kidney disease, obesity, and certain medications. By identifying individuals at risk, healthcare providers can recommend preventive measures, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring to reduce the risk or slow the progression of kidney disease.
MONITORING CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE (CKD)
For individuals already diagnosed with CKD, regular health check-ups are essential to monitor the progression of the disease and assess kidney function. Monitoring helps healthcare providers determine the appropriate treatment plan and interventions necessary to manage the condition effectively. Recent advances in medications and therapeutics have enabled slowing the progression of CKD considerably.
IDENTIFYING UNDERLYING CONDITIONS
Kidney disease can sometimes be a result of an underlying health condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or an autoimmune disorder. By screening for kidney disease, healthcare providers can identify these underlying conditions early on and initiate appropriate treatment to manage them effectively. Treating the underlying condition can help prevent or delay further kidney damage.