The nephrologist warned about the risk of unnoticed development of kidney diseases

The kidneys perform important functions in the body, but their condition is often ignored until serious problems arise. Olga Kozina, a nephrologist at JSC Meditsina (Academician Roitberg Clinic), told Izvestia on March 12 about how chronic kidney disease develops and why it is important to undergo an examination on time.

According to the specialist, the kidneys continuously filter the blood and remove excess fluid and metabolic products from the body. Up to 150-180 liters of blood pass through them per day, of which about 1.5–2 liters of urine are formed. In addition, the kidneys are involved in regulating blood pressure and the production of hormones that affect hematopoiesis and bone health.

"When kidney function gradually decreases, a person may experience only non-specific symptoms for a long time: fatigue, dry skin, or a slight increase in blood pressure. These signs are often attributed to stress or age," Kozina said.

She clarified that chronic kidney disease often develops against the background of other diseases, in particular diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and autoimmune disorders. Prolonged and uncontrolled use of painkillers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also negatively affect the condition of these organs.

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According to the doctor, many people may live with decreased kidney function and not be aware of it because they do not undergo regular checkups. At the same time, simple studies help to identify the problem at an early stage — a blood test for creatinine, a urine test for protein, and an ultrasound examination.

Kozina stressed that special attention to the condition of the kidneys is necessary for people with diabetes, high blood pressure and a hereditary predisposition to diseases of this organ. In such cases, regular monitoring of indicators becomes an important part of prevention.

The specialist added that in order to maintain kidney health, it is important to follow a number of simple recommendations: limit salt intake, stop smoking, maintain an adequate drinking regime and be careful with painkillers and dietary supplements.

With a marked decrease in kidney function, patients may require dialysis or transplantation. Therefore, as the doctor noted, early diagnosis and timely prevention are of key importance, allowing to slow down the development of the disease and preserve the functioning of these organs for many years.

General practitioner "Polyclinic.<url>" Alexander Novikov reported on February 3 that peeling of the skin, furrows on the nails, redness of the eyes may be external signs of serious diseases. These symptoms may indicate not only improper care, but also a deficiency of iron, vitamins, or thyroid problems.

A yellowish tinge of the skin or the whites of the eyes is a reason to check the liver. Pallor often indicates anemia, not just fatigue, and frequent rashes in adults may be associated with hormonal imbalances or disorders in the gastrointestinal tract.

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