NEW data released today by Kidney Care UK reveals a significant lack of awareness regarding the key signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
A quarter of people surveyed (29%) were unable to identify the seven main symptoms of CKD, compared to the UK average of 27%.
In response, the charity is encouraging individuals to use its five-minute online Kidney Health Checker to assess their risk and improve kidney health as part of the Bloody Amazing Kidneys campaign.
It hopes the campaign will inspire more people to recognise the importance of early detection and take action to protect their kidney health.
Lois Denham, a 51-year-old kidney transplant recipient from Paisley, is backing the campaign, and shared her own experience with CKD.
She said: “Most of us probably haven’t really heard of chronic kidney disease, but I had symptoms – I was exhausted, and I mean really exhausted, not just tired.
“Before my transplant, I was vomiting up to four times a day, including through the night. It was horrendous.
“Thanks to the most precious gift from my incredible friend, Josh, I now have energy and can live a full and happy life.
“But I didn’t realise how serious kidney disease could be until I had my transplant.
“If you have risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes, get checked out so you can live a healthier life for longer.”
The research highlights that many people fail to recognise the common signs of CKD.
These include cramps, itchy skin, changes to food taste, nausea, exhaustion, changes to urination, and swelling in the ankles, legs, or face. The survey also found:
- 36% do not link changes in urination to CKD.
- 73% are unaware that itchy skin is a symptom.
- 76% do not associate muscle cramps with kidney problems.
- 64% do not know that a puffy face or swollen limbs is a warning sign.
- Only 47% recognise exhaustion as a symptom of CKD.
CKD affects 1 in 10 people in the UK, equating to over seven million individuals, however, one million of those affected are unaware they have the condition.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of CKD, yet 70% of those with high blood pressure do not undergo regular testing for kidney disease.
Fiona Loud, director of policy at Kidney Care UK, stressed the importance of early diagnosis.
She said: “We want to see at-risk groups in Scotland screened for CKD as early as possible.
“Delays in diagnosis can significantly increase the likelihood of kidney failure, leading to costly treatments like dialysis or transplants.
“Identifying people sooner can improve their quality of life and reduce the strain on health services.”
Despite screening programmes for those aged 40 to 75, participation remains low, with only half of those invited attending NHS Health Checks.
Innovations such as digital health checks may improve engagement, but Kidney Care UK warns that people with conditions like diabetes are often excluded from these programmes.
Laurie Cuthbert, director of fundraising at the charity, added: “We are concerned about the lack of symptom awareness in Scotland.
“Combined with a fear of burdening GPs, some people may be at risk of losing 90% of their kidney function without realising.
“Our Bloody Amazing Kidneys campaign aims to empower individuals to take control of their kidney health and get diagnosed sooner, avoiding kidney failure.”
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