Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is affecting approximately one in ten people in Ireland, many of whom are unaware of their condition, according to a recent report from Trinity College. The Irish Kidney Association (IKA) has raised alarms, predicting that CKD could become the fifth leading cause of death in Ireland by 2040.
In recognition of World Kidney Day, the IKA is urging the public to get checked for CKD through a simple blood and urine test. Colin White, National Advocacy Manager at the IKA, emphasized the importance of proactive health checks, particularly for those in higher-risk categories, such as older adults or individuals with preexisting conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease.
“We are asking people, especially those in older age groups or with existing health conditions, to discuss their kidney health with their GP,” White said. “A simple question, ‘How are my kidneys? Are they okay?’ could help detect CKD early.”
Chronic Kidney Disease occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste and fluids effectively, leading to a gradual buildup of harmful substances in the body. In many cases, individuals are not aware of their condition until their kidney function declines to less than 25% of normal capacity. Unfortunately, this damage is typically irreversible.
As CKD continues to rise in prevalence, the IKA’s call for increased awareness and regular screenings aims to curb its impact and improve early detection efforts.
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