Unlike a broken leg—which is easily seen, understood, and fixable—chronic kidney disease (CKD) is hidden, often seems mysterious, and can be easily misunderstood. In a recent article, Dr. Leslie Spry, a spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation, dispelled several common misconceptions about kidney disease and kidney-related issues.*

What are some common misconceptions about kidneys and kidney disease?

Myth #1: Lower back pain is an indication of kidney disease. 

Truth: A kidney blockage (such as a kidney stone) or infection is likely to cause pain, but most forms of kidney disease rarely do. This is why kidney disease is rarely detected until it reaches a later stage.

Myth #2: If I can urinate with ease, I probably don’t have a kidney problem.

Truth: Your kidneys produce and excrete urine whether they’re damaged or not. The difference is, if they are damaged, they’re not filtering out toxins and wastes.

Myth #3: When my blood sugar is high, I can feel it in my body and can treat it on an as-needed basis. 

Truth: Diabetes is the primary cause of CKD. It also causes nerve damage throughout your body. The longer you have diabetes, the worse your ability to sense when your blood sugar is high becomes.

Myth #4: It’s normal for blood pressure to go up as I age. I don’t need to worry about it. 

Truth: Just because it’s common for blood pressure (BP) to increase as you age doesn’t mean that’s healthy. High BP is the second leading cause of CKD after diabetes. If your BP is consistently above 120/80, consult your physician.

Myth #5: Once my BP is down to normal, I no longer need medication. 

Truth: It’s critical for people with kidney disease to maintain normal blood pressure. Two BP medications in particular—angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)—also help protect the kidneys from further damage. 

Myth #6: You can feel if you have kidney disease.

Truth: CKD usually has no symptoms in the early stages. Ninety-six percent (96%) of people with early-stage kidney disease don’t know they have it. If you’re at risk for kidney disease, it’s best to get tested right away.

Myth #7: Kidney disease testing is expensive, and only an expert can do it. 

Truth: A urine test (to check for proteins) and a blood test (to check for kidney function) are both inexpensive, and they can be done during a routine doctor visit.

Myth #8: Once you get kidney disease, you have to go on dialysis. 

Truth: Many people live for years with CKD without any noticeable symptoms. If the disease is diagnosed early, kidney failure can potentially be delayed—and even prevented. (It is true, however, that CKD is often diagnosed at a later stage, which makes it more likely that you may eventually need dialysis.)

Myth #9: Kidney disease is rare, and its cause is unknown. 

Truth: One in seven adults in the U.S. is living with kidney disease. The most common causes of kidney disease include the following:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Heart disease
• Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys)
• Genetic mutations (as with polycystic kidney disease)

Myth #10: If you have any of the risk factors for kidney disease, you’re going to get it. 

Truth: There are a variety of steps you can take to keep your kidneys healthy and reduce your chances of developing CKD. These include:

• changing your diet and exercise habits,
• quitting smoking, and 
• controlling related medical conditions with medications.

Additional information on myths about CKD can be found on the National Kidney Fund, The Renal Association, and American Kidney Fund websites.

*National Kidney Foundation. (2020, June 29). Myths About Kidney Disease. https://www.kidney.org/news/kidneyCare/winter10/MythsAboutKD