A nephrologist here emphasized on Friday that the alarming rise in chronic kidney disease (CKD) cases in the country could be prevented through early detection and public awareness.

Dr. Ma. Theresa Bad-ang, nephrologist and head of the Southern Philippines Medical Center –Human Advocate and Retrieval Effort, said prevention is critical to addressing CKD.

“To solve the problem of CKD, prevention is the key. With early detection, patients can receive support and immediate treatment,” Bad-ang told the Philippine News Agency.

She spoke following the filing of Senate Resolution 313 by Senator Mark Villar on Feb. 26, calling for an urgent inquiry into the prevalence of CKD in the Philippines, particularly among the youth.

“It is true that CKD cases are alarming. We want prevention. When CKD starts at a young age, patients often don’t realize they have the disease yet. Prevention is better than cure,” Bad-ang said.

She explained that early detection can lead to possible cures, citing proteinuria, or excess protein in urine, as an early sign that can be managed with medication if caught early.

Bad-ang also underscored the need for public information campaigns to raise awareness of CKD symptoms and risks, noting that people should understand basic kidney function.

Citing Department of Health records, she said 132,000 patients underwent dialysis last year, with cases increasing by 10 percent to 15 percent annually.

“Our dialysis patients are increasing, and we need help in the preventive aspect,” she added.

CKD is a long-term, progressive loss of kidney function, often caused by diabetes and high blood pressure. (PNA)