Kidney experts are warning people to know the signs of kidney illnesses amid a 'shocking lack of knowledge' about the organs in the North West. One kidney research group found that, of the adults surveyed in the region, the majority could not locate their kidneys, and didn't know that kidneys filter blood - instead thinking they filter urine.
The research also revealed that the majority of people who were found to be at risk of kidney disease believed they were not. High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity or a severe or frequent previous kidney infection are some of the most common risk factors for developing kidney disease.
Although not everyone with these conditions will develop kidney disease, the additional risk means checking kidney health could identify signs of the disease early on. Knowing about the disease early could save patients from serious deterioration, like kidney failure, and 'gruelling treatment' such as transplants, according to a University of Manchester professor.
