Approximately 7 million Filipinos are estimated to be grappling with chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a recent report.

Public health experts are sounding the alarm as this silent epidemic threatens the well-being of a significant portion of the population.

Dr. Vimar Luz, of the Philippine Society Of Nephrology, has revealed that diabetes and hypertension are the leading culprits behind kidney failure, accounting for a staggering 75 percent of CKD cases, ABS-CBN reported.

Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged for a duration of at least three months, hampering their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, which are typically excreted in urine.

What’s even more concerning is that a mere 10 percent of CKD cases are diagnosed. “This means that our data of 7 million Filipinos is likely an underestimate,” Dr. Luz stated during a Department of Health (DOH) virtual town hall forum.

To put it in perspective, a Filipino develops CKD every hour.

CKD often lurks silently, with no or mild symptoms, especially in its early stages. Signs and symptoms develop over time and can be nonspecific, including fatigue, loss of appetite, swelling of feet and ankles, nausea, vomiting, sleep problems, and breathing difficulty.

Dr. Luz emphasized, “CKD is not always completely treatable, but not everyone with CKD ends up needing dialysis.”

A recent investigative piece by GMA7 unveiled a grim reality: some CKD patients spend over P30,000 per month on dialysis, maintenance, and medicines.

Kidney failure treated with dialysis is termed end-stage renal disease.

The risk factors for CKD are multiple and include a family history of the disease, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, smoking, and old age.

As the numbers of those at risk continue to mount, it’s critical to consider preventive measures to safeguard kidney health.

Here are some key practices to maintain healthy kidneys:

• Control blood pressure: Regular monitoring and management of blood pressure can help reduce the risk of kidney damage.
• Control blood sugar: Properly managing diabetes is crucial in preventing kidney disease.
• Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet with limited sodium and sugar can contribute to kidney health.
• Exercise regularly: Staying physically active can help manage weight and promote overall well-being.
• Drink adequate water: Staying hydrated is essential for kidney function.
• Stop smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels, including those in the kidneys.
• Avoid abusing pain relievers and supplements: Overuse of certain medications can harm the kidneys.
• Have regular check-ups: Routine health check-ups can help detect kidney issues in their early stages.

Damaging your kidneys can occur due to various factors and behaviors, some of which are within your control. Here are some common ways people can inadvertently damage their kidneys:

1. Poor Diet: Consuming excessive amounts of high-sugar and high-sodium foods, as well as a diet low in fruits and vegetables, can contribute to kidney damage over time. High-protein diets can also strain the kidneys.
2. Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which forces the kidneys to work harder to concentrate urine, potentially causing damage.
3. Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Chronic heavy drinking can lead to alcoholic liver and kidney disease.
4. Smoking: Smoking is linked to various health problems, including kidney disease.
5. Overuse of Over-the-Counter Pain Medications: Regular or excessive use of non-prescription pain relievers, like NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen), can harm the kidneys.
6. Illegal Drug Use: Some recreational drugs can be toxic to the kidneys.
7. Poorly Managed Diabetes: Uncontrolled or poorly managed diabetes can damage blood vessels in the kidneys over time.
8. High Blood Pressure: Hypertension can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, affecting their ability to filter blood effectively.
9. Excessive Protein Consumption: Overloading your body with excess protein, especially in supplement form, can strain the kidneys.
10. Lack of Exercise: A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to obesity and other health issues that increase the risk of kidney problems.
11. Exposure to Certain Toxins: Working with or being exposed to certain toxins, such as heavy metals or solvents, can damage the kidneys.
12. Family History: If you have a family history of kidney disease, you may be at a higher risk.