National Kidney Month: Why Would I Need to Ask My Doctor for a Kidney Disease Screening?

March is National Kidney Month, a good reminder that kidney disease often develops quietly, without obvious warning signs. Many people don’t realize there’s a problem until significant damage has already occurred. That’s exactly why proactive kidney disease screening matters. Dr. Sadeddin and his dedicated team at Texas Advanced Renal Health have put together a guide outlining when screening makes sense and why catching issues early can significantly improve long-term outcomes.

What Is Kidney Disease Screening?

A kidney disease screening typically involves a few straightforward tests, including the following:

• A blood test to estimate your GFR (glomerular filtration rate), which helps us determine how efficiently your kidneys are filtering waste
• A urine test to check for protein, which can be an early sign that the kidneys are under stress

Neither test is painful or complicated. Together, they can detect early signs of kidney disease before symptoms ever appear.

Who Would Benefit from a Kidney Screening?

While everyone may benefit from a kidney screening, certain risk factors make it exceptionally important. You may want to ask about screening if you have one or more of the following:

• Diabetes: High blood sugar gradually damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys over time, which is why diabetes continues to be one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• High Blood Pressure: Hypertension places additional strain on the kidneys and can gradually reduce their ability to function properly, making it another leading cause of CKD.
• Family History: Genetics plays a role. If a close relative has had kidney disease or kidney failure, your own risk may be higher.
• Obesity or Metabolic Syndrome: These conditions are linked to both diabetes and hypertension, which in turn increase the risk of kidney disease.
• Recurrent Kidney Infections or Kidney Stones: Repeated infections or kidney stones can cause cumulative damage to your kidney tissue over time, increasing your risk of kidney disease.
• Long-Term Use of NSAIDs: Frequent use of pain relievers like ibuprofen or naproxen can affect kidney function, especially in those with existing risk factors.
• Age 60 or Older: Kidney function naturally declines with age, and older adults are more likely to experience other health concerns that compound the risk.

Why Early Detection Matters

Detecting early signs of kidney disease is key to long-term health. Unfortunately, by the time noticeable symptoms appear, like swelling, fatigue, or changes in urination, the kidneys have often already sustained serious damage and a significant decline in their function.

If you have any risk factors for kidney disease, it’s important to keep up with regular screenings. The goal is to identify any problems at their earliest stages, when medical management and lifestyle changes can prevent the condition from progressing. At Texas Advanced Renal Health, our goal is to keep your kidneys as healthy as possible for as long as possible.

Personalized Kidney Care in McKinney, TX

Dr. Sadeddin and his team at Texas Advanced Renal Health are committed to helping our valued patients maintain healthy kidneys through early detection and personalized, proactive care. National Kidney Month is the perfect time to raise awareness and encourage those with risk factors for kidney disease to schedule their screenings. We are all about safeguarding your kidney health and enhancing your overall quality of life. We invite you to call 972-548-4833 or visit us online to schedule your appointment today!