Chronic Kidney Disease Affects 10% of the Population, Says Spanish Nephrology Society
Alberto Marañés, Head of the Nephrology Department at Quirónsalud Marbella Hospital, explains that the Spanish Nephrology Society (SEN) estimates that 10% of the population suffers from some degree of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys, responsible for removing impurities from the blood, fail to perform this function properly. The disease has a high prevalence and often goes unnoticed in the early stages due to the absence of symptoms.
Understanding the Impact of Poorly Functioning Kidneys
When the kidneys do not function properly, waste can build up in the blood, leading to complications such as hypertension, anemia, weak bones, malnutrition, and heart or vascular diseases. These problems can develop slowly over a prolonged period, often without symptoms, explains Dr. Marañés, who also heads the Nephrology Department at Quirónsalud Campo de Gibraltar Hospital.
The “Silent” Nature of Early Stage CKD
The “silent” nature of CKD in its early stages is the reason why the disease often goes unnoticed by most people. However, its detection relies solely on a simple blood test. The best way to diagnose it is through a blood test determining creatinine levels and a urine test checking for blood, leukocytes, or albumin, which helps detect kidney damage in early stages. This is especially recommended for people affected by diabetes and/or hypertension, the expert details.
Common Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease
The most common causes of CKD are Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension. As both conditions are increasingly common in our population, there has been an exponential growth of the disease, with a higher incidence in developed countries due to the adoption of unhealthy lifestyle habits.
The Vital Role of Kidneys in Our Body
The function of the kidneys is vital for our body. In addition to eliminating waste and excess fluids from the body, they help control blood pressure, bone metabolism, prevent anemia, and maintain the balance of chemicals in the blood such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. According to Dr. Marañés, it is essential to “take care of kidney health”.
Guidelines for Maintaining Kidney Health
For this, the specialist proposes some guidelines “easy to incorporate without effort” into our daily routine such as “avoiding obesity, managing diabetes and hypertension, undergoing medical check-ups, respecting rest hours, avoiding excesses of any kind, especially in diet, practicing physical activity and drinking about two liters of water a day”.
Unique Dialysis Unit in Andalusia
Chronic kidney failure can ultimately lead to the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. Early detection and treatment prevent or delay these complications. However, if necessary, it is reassuring to know that there are tools at our disposal. Quirónsalud Marbella Hospital has a Hemodialysis Unit, the only one in the Quirónsalud group in Andalusia. These facilities are equipped with 20 stations and the latest technology in their field. Located in an exceptional location, on the beachfront, it has a total area of 500 m2 distributed in two treatment areas with 10 dialysis monitors each, which meet European quality standards. The unit is led by a team of renowned Nephrology specialists who are physically present at all times, as well as nursing staff with extensive experience and training in hemodialysis.
