The kidneys can lose up to 90% of their function without causing any obvious symptoms. This characteristic makes chronic kidney disease one of the most insidious and dangerous health conditions today: thousands of patients are diagnosed only when the damage is already advanced, treatment options are limited, and dialysis becomes inevitable.
The good news is that kidney disease can be prevented, detected, and managed early through accessible screenings, healthy habits, and guidance from a specialist. A simple blood or urine test can reveal what your kidneys aren’t telling you.
In this article, we explain how the kidneys work, what warning signs to look out for, who is at higher risk, what tests are needed, and how to avoid needing dialysis.
What do the kidneys do, and why are they so important?
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, below the ribs. Despite their small size, they perform vital functions for the body: they filter about 200 liters of blood a day, eliminate toxins and excess fluids through urine, regulate blood pressure, maintain the balance of minerals such as sodium, potassium, and calcium, and stimulate the production of red blood cells.
When the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste—a condition known as chronic kidney disease (CKD)—toxins build up in the body, fluid retention occurs, and multiple bodily systems begin to be affected.
Symptoms of kidney disease: the silent signals your body sends
The greatest danger of kidney disease is that it progresses painlessly and without clear symptoms in its early stages. By the time symptoms appear, the damage is often significant. However, there are warning signs that the body sends out that should not be ignored:
Warning signs you should be aware of
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or face, especially upon waking. This occurs when the kidneys are unable to eliminate excess fluid.
- Persistent fatigue that does not improve with rest. The buildup of toxins and a decrease in red blood cells (renal anemia) cause constant fatigue.
- Changes in urine: increased or decreased frequency, dark color, the presence of foam (which may indicate protein in the urine), or blood in the urine.
- High blood pressure that does not respond well to treatment or that occurs without a prior history.
- Loss of appetite, nausea, or a metallic taste in the mouth, caused by the buildup of waste products in the blood.
- Difficulty concentrating or a feeling of mental confusion.
- Muscle cramps, especially at night, caused by mineral imbalances.
Important: These symptoms are often mistaken for stress, poor diet, or the natural aging process. A persistent pattern of several of these signs warrants a medical evaluation by a nephrologist.
Who is at higher risk for kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease does not occur randomly. There are well-identified risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood of developing it:
- Diabetes: It is the leading cause of kidney disease worldwide. High blood glucose levels progressively damage the blood vessels in the kidneys.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure puts strain on the renal vessels and, over time, reduces their filtration capacity.
- Overweight and obesity: Excess weight disrupts metabolism and increases the workload on the kidneys.
- Excessive salt intake: It raises blood pressure and forces the kidneys to work harder to eliminate excess sodium.
- Sedentary lifestyle: A lack of physical activity contributes to diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity, which are the three main risk factors for kidney disease.
- Family history of kidney disease or dialysis.
- Frequent use of anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac) without medical supervision.
- Age over 60, as kidney function naturally declines with age.
If you have one or more of these risk factors, regular checkups to monitor your kidney function are especially important.
Diagnosis: Simple Tests That Could Save Your Life
One of the most encouraging aspects of kidney disease is that it can be detected through simple, accessible, and non-invasive tests:
- Blood creatinine: Measures a waste product that the kidneys must filter out. If it is elevated, it indicates that the kidneys are not functioning properly. This value is used to calculate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which is the most accurate indicator of kidney function.
- Urinalysis: Detects the presence of protein (proteinuria), blood, or other abnormalities that indicate kidney damage.
- Renal ultrasound: A painless, radiation-free imaging test that allows for the evaluation of the size, shape, and structure of the kidneys.
These three tests, combined with a specialized clinical evaluation, make it possible to identify the disease in its early stages, when it is still possible to slow its progression and avoid dialysis.
What happens if kidney disease progresses unchecked?
When kidney disease progresses without diagnosis or treatment, the kidneys lose their ability to properly filter toxins and fluids from the body. In advanced stages (stage 5), dialysis becomes an essential treatment to partially replace kidney function.
Dialysis involves frequent sessions (usually three times a week, lasting several hours), major lifestyle changes, strict dietary restrictions, and a significant emotional and physical toll on both the patient and their family.
That is why prevention and early detection are so important: intervening early can slow or halt the progression of the disease, maintain quality of life, and prevent the condition from reaching this stage.
Prevention: Specific Steps to Protect Your Kidneys
Kidney health is protected through everyday choices. Here are the most effective preventive measures, backed by medical evidence:
- Keep your blood pressure under control: Keep it below 130/80 mmHg. If you are taking blood pressure medication, do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor.
- Monitor your blood sugar levels: If you have diabetes, proper blood sugar management significantly reduces the risk of kidney damage.
- Reduce your salt intake: The recommendation is to limit your intake to no more than 5 grams per day (about one teaspoon).
- Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps your kidneys flush out toxins. The ideal amount varies, but as a general guideline, 1.5 to 2 liters a day is recommended.
- Avoid overusing anti-inflammatory medications: Ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac, when used frequently and without medical supervision, can damage the kidneys.
- Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
- Don't smoke: Smoking damages the blood vessels in the kidneys and accelerates the loss of kidney function.
- Get regular checkups: Especially if you have risk factors. A creatinine test and a urinalysis once a year can help detect problems early.
Expert opinion
“It’s much easier to prevent kidney damage than to undergo dialysis. Early detection can completely change a patient’s life.”
— Dr. Daniel Arias, Nephrologist – Manta Hospital Center
Specialized Nephrology in Manta
Dr. Daniel Arias, a nationally and internationally recognized nephrologist, is now practicing at Manta Hospital Center, improving access to specialized diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases for patients in Manta and throughout the province of Manabí.
Manta Hospital Center has established itself as the most comprehensive private hospital in the province, offering not only specialized care in nephrology but also a full range of facilities, including a 24/7 emergency department, a continuously staffed intensive care unit, modern inpatient facilities, and operating rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology. This comprehensive care model allows us to support patients at every stage of their treatment, from prevention to highly complex procedures.
Today, residents of Manta and the entire province have access to high-quality health care without having to travel to other cities.
Kidney health can't wait
Kidney disease doesn't give you any warning. It doesn't hurt at first. It doesn't show any clear signs until the damage is difficult to reverse. But early detection can completely change the prognosis.
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, are overweight, or have a family history of kidney disease, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Taking preventive measures today is the best way to protect your quality of life tomorrow. Consulting a nephrologist is the first step.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Disease
Is there a cure for kidney disease? There is no cure for chronic kidney disease, but when it is detected in its early stages, its progression can be significantly slowed through medication, management of risk factors, and lifestyle changes. The goal is to preserve kidney function and avoid dialysis.
How do I know if my kidneys are working properly? A blood creatinine test and a urine test are the basic tests used to assess kidney function. Your doctor can calculate your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based on your creatinine levels, which is the most accurate indicator.
At what age should I start getting kidney checkups? It is recommended that you start at age 40 as part of your annual preventive health checkup. However, if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or a family history of kidney disease, you should start getting checkups earlier and have them more frequently.
Can drinking too much water damage the kidneys? In people with healthy kidneys, drinking water in reasonable amounts does not cause harm. However, in patients with advanced kidney disease, fluid intake must be monitored as directed by a nephrologist, since the kidneys are unable to eliminate excess fluid.
Can I see a nephrologist in Manta without a referral from another doctor? Yes. At Manta Hospital Center, you can schedule an appointment directly with Dr. Daniel Arias, the hospital’s nephrologist, without needing a prior referral.
Do you have diabetes or high blood pressure, or would you like to have your kidney function checked? Schedule an appointment with our nephrologist. ☎ 098 347 7365 | WhatsApp: Message us at MiDi to schedule an appointment
