OVER the past few weeks we have seen an increased number of patients with concerns about kidney failure and the need for future dialysis.

It is estimated that three million people are at risk of kidney disease in the UK and most are unaware that their kidneys are starting to struggle or fail.

Locally, we currently have 7% of our patient population diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Six per cent of these patients fall into the mild form which can be easily managed by lifestyle changes but for the 1% who have moderate to severe CKD, careful monitoring and treatment is needed to prevent kidney failure.

CKD is a silent illness and often patients will be completely unaware that there is anything wrong with their kidneys for many years. The kidneys work silently in the background, causing no pain or discomfort if they start to fail.

So, what puts you at risk and how can patients spot the signs early?

The main risk factors are linked to lifestyle with smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, high alcohol intake and obesity among the areas that can be addressed by patients.

Some medicines, including those available over the counter (in particular some pain-relief medicines) can put pressure on the kidneys and cause damage if continued long-term.

Obstruction (poor urine flow) also has the ability to damage the kidneys and, in particular, male patients with prostate problems who have signs of a weak urine stream or struggle to empty their bladder are at risk.

Elderly patients are particularly at risk if they already have CKD and then become dehydrated. Continuing to take certain medications while dehydrated can worsen the problem. Ensuring you understand which medications to stop if you or your elderly relative develops diarrhoea and vomiting (causing even mild dehydration) is very important.

Spotting kidney disease early is possible but the symptoms are often also found in other illnesses.

Main changes link to the urine, with red (blood-stained) or very dark urine, decreased urination, foul-smelling urine. Oedema (swelling of hands, face and legs), back pain over the flank area, severe tiredness and widespread itching are also possible signs of kidneys that aren’t working properly.

But back to the patient concerns about acute kidney failure and dialysis.

Some patients do unfortunately suffer complete kidney failure, requiring dialysis.

GPs now have tests available, making it much easier to diagnose early changes.

Our ability to prevent patients needing dialysis continues to improve, alongside taking the preventative steps and lifestyle changes most patients can avoid needing this level of treatment.