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In our age of nearly limitless information, it can be hard to sift through information to recognize what’s true and what’s false. There are many myths about chronic kidney disease passed around through word of mouth and on the internet, but we’re here to correct some of those misconceptions.
The Texas Kidney Institute is dedicated to helping those with chronic kidney disease, and we hope this information can help educate people on causes, effects, and what to expect when experiencing chronic kidney disease.
1. Kidney Disease Is Rare
Kidney disease is actually the 9th leading cause of death in the US, and as many as 1 in 3 people are at risk of experiencing this condition. It is projected to affect over 14% of US adults in 2020, with this prevalence rising to nearly 17% by 2030.
2. Kidney Disease Is Unpreventable
Many people have the misconception that kidney disease is caused by genetics and thus unpreventable. However, in most cases, kidney disease is a preventable illness.
One of the primary preventative measures that reduces the risk of kidney disease in adults is controlling the blood pressure, and you can do this by reducing the amount of salt in your diet, cutting down on alcohol, and losing weight or exercising regularly.
Those at risk of kidney disease can also consider medical treatment, including beta-blockers and diuretics.
3. Kidney Stones Cause Kidney Disease
While kidney stones are not pleasant, they are not a factor that leads to kidney disease. Cases of kidney stones resulting in permanent damage to the kidneys are very rare. However, if the patient fails to adapt their lifestyle to prevent kidney stones forming, then there is a chance that it could increase the possibility of kidney disease, although this risk will not solely be due to the recurrence of kidney stones.
4. You’ll Be Able to Tell If You Have Kidney Disease
Those who are ignorant of the details of kidney disease often assume that you’ll know when you have kidney disease because you’ll be in pain.
In some cases, the assumption that you will show symptoms is correct. You may be tired, have trouble sleeping, suffer from dry skin, or find blood in your urine.
Despite these potential indicators of kidney disease, many people can go a long time without showing symptoms at all. Often, these symptoms only begin to show when the disease has already become chronic.
5. CKD Is Curable
Chronic kidney disease is not curable. However, progression of the disease and kidney failure can be slowed, especially if it is detected early. Behaviors that may help slow the progression include reducing sodium intake and eating healthy, reducing harmful behaviors like smoking, and exercising regularly.
However, if CKD progresses to kidney failure, either dialysis or kidney transplant will be necessary.
6. A Kidney Transplant Will Cure Chronic Kidney Disease
Along with the previous point, some may have the misconception that a kidney transplant acts as a cure for chronic kidney disease. Just like the disease can be slowed, but not completely cured, through medication or lifestyle changes, a kidney transplant is yet another treatment that can aid in your overall condition but cannot cure it completely.
The average kidney transplant has a lifetime of about 13 years, although it can last as long as 20 years if sourced from a living participant. Deceased donor kidneys will last between 8 and 12 years. Regardless of which donor is used, patients will need to continue taking immunosuppressive medication for the remainder of their life.
7. Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Should Drink Lots of Water
Drinking lots of water might seem like a good idea, and of course it is important to get enough fluids for your body’s health. But for those with CKD, too much fluid intake can actually cause edema, or swelling, as well as high blood pressure and breathing problems due to the kidneys’ impaired capabilities.
Chronic kidney disease patients should talk with a doctor and dietitian about the correct, healthy amount of fluid intake for their case.
It’s essential for your health to understand and be able to separate truth from fabrications when it comes to causes of chronic kidney disease and healthy behaviors patients can and should take. Everyone should strive to follow healthy eating and exercise habits to reduce their risk of CKD, and CKD patients should always consult a medical professional when making health decisions.
