MOST Aussies are clueless about kidney health, despite one in three Australian adults being at risk of chronic kidney disease.
Figures from a study into chronic kidney disease reveal that when it comes to identifying the risks of this silent health epidemic, many of us are in the dark.
While the research for Amcal Pharmacy showed a significant proportion of the population had experienced serious symptoms of kidney disease, including changes to their urine (12 per cent), pain in their kidney area (9 per cent) and blood in their urine (5 per cent), most did not investigate the cause with their GP or pharmacist.
It also found for many people kidney health doesn't rank high on their list of health priorities, and just over half the respondents incorrectly associated excessive alcohol consumption as the major cause of kidney failure.
In reality, older people, those with a family history of disease, people with diabetes, smokers and even younger people who may have had an acute injury, are at increased risk of developing the condition.
Alarmingly, more than one in 10 people (13 per cent) aged 18-24 questioned for the research admitted they have no idea how many kidneys the average person has, with 12 per cent unaware that kidney failure can lead to death if untreated.
Kidney Health Australia chief executive Mikaela Stafrace said she was "deeply concerned" by the number of people neglecting the health of one of their most vital organs.
"Chronic kidney disease is difficult to detect in the early stages," she said.
"In fact, less than 10 per cent of people with chronic kidney disease are aware they have the condition.
"It's important that people know and understand the risk factors associated with kidney disease and that they schedule an annual kidney health check so early warning signs are not missed."
Early detection is vital as people can lose up to 90 per cent of kidney function before symptoms arise.
If you have a family history of kidney disease, or suspect you might be at risk, consult your GP or health professional.
You can have a urine test to check for kidney health indicators. This can be done by your GP or with a home kidney health screening check available from Amcal Pharmacies.
For more information on kidney disease, Kidney Health Australia kidney.org.au
