{"id":5230,"date":"2026-03-09T11:56:57","date_gmt":"2026-03-09T09:56:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/?p=178886"},"modified":"2026-03-09T11:56:57","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T09:56:57","slug":"silent-kidney-disease-why-symptoms-often-go-unnoticed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/silent-kidney-disease-why-symptoms-often-go-unnoticed\/","title":{"rendered":"Silent Kidney Disease: Why Symptoms Often Go Unnoticed"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Affinity Health<\/a>, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is highlighting World Kidney Day<\/a> (12 March) to raise awareness of silent kidney disease \u2014 a serious condition that can develop without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has already occurred.<\/p>\n

The kidneys<\/a> play a vital role in maintaining the body\u2019s health. They filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, help regulate blood pressure, support red blood cell production, and maintain healthy bones. Despite this, kidney disease is often described as a \u201csilent condition\u201d because many people feel well until the disease is already advanced.<\/p>\n

According to global kidney health organisations<\/a>, chronic kidney disease affects around 850 million people worldwide, and many remain undiagnosed because the early stages of the disease often have no obvious symptoms.<\/p>\n

\u201cKidney disease often develops quietly, which is why awareness and early testing are so important,\u201d says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health.<\/p>\n

\u201cIdentifying kidney problems early gives people the best chance to slow progression and avoid serious, long-term complications.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/span>What Is Chronic Kidney Disease?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Chronic kidney disease<\/a> (CKD) refers to the gradual loss of kidney function. It occurs when the kidneys are damaged and no longer filter blood as effectively as they should. CKD can progress slowly over months or years and may eventually lead to kidney failure if it is not managed.<\/p>\n

In its early stages, kidney disease rarely causes noticeable symptoms. This makes regular health checks especially important, particularly for people with known risk factors.<\/p>\n

Why Symptoms Often Go Unnoticed<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the most concerning aspects of kidney disease is how quietly it can develop. The kidneys are highly efficient organs, and even when they are partially damaged, they may continue working well enough to hide warning signs.<\/p>\n

Early kidney disease may cause mild or vague symptoms that are easy to dismiss, such as:<\/p>\n