How to Avoid Uremia: Key Strategies

Chronic kidney disease, when severe, progresses to uremia, where kidneys lose most function, requiring dialysis or transplantation. China has over 500,000 registered uremia patients, with cases rising over 11% annually. Does this mean kidney disease inevitably leads to uremia, regardless of treatment? Not at all. Let’s examine some data revealing the state of chronic kidney disease in China.

Chronic kidney disease affects 10.8% of China’s population—120 million people! Yet, its early stages are often silent. Only 12.5%—15 million people—know they have it. A survey of kidney specialists across 25 provinces and regions shows 67% of patients have blood creatinine levels above 170umol/L at their first visit, indicating significant kidney dysfunction. Shockingly, one in four patients only learns of their condition upon reaching uremia.

This explains the rapid rise in uremia cases. It’s not that kidney disease can’t be managed or that it always leads to uremia. Rather, many patients miss the chance to prevent it due to ignorance or lack of reliable interventions. Behind these numbers lie real stories of patients.

Case 1: Ignorance Delayed Treatment
“I found abnormal urine test results during a 2000 health checkup, but my creatinine was normal. The doctor didn’t mention risks, and I felt fine, so I ignored it. In 2015, hospitalized for back pain and shingles, I learned I had hematuria 2+, proteinuria 2+, and creatinine at 150umol/L. A kidney biopsy revealed IgA nephropathy. I regret my 15 years of ignorance—half my glomeruli are scarred. My doctor warned that a few more years of delay could’ve led to kidney failure. Thankfully, with proper treatment, my proteinuria is gone, and creatinine has stabilized around 130 for two years.”

Case 2: Inconsistent Treatment Worsened Outcomes
“Over a decade ago, a pregnancy test showed proteinuria 2+, but I didn’t treat it due to pregnancy. After childbirth, three months of traditional Chinese medicine yielded no results, so I stopped. I sought treatment sporadically, with mixed outcomes. Recently, I tried an online ‘miracle cure,’ which caused vomiting and diarrhea. My creatinine soared from 170 to 250umol/L. I fear uremia is near. If I’d pursued consistent treatment and avoided dubious remedies, I wouldn’t be in this predicament.”

Case 3: Negligence Led to Decline
“During college, a severe cold caused visible hematuria, but without proteinuria, the doctor downplayed it. Follow-up tests were fine, so I stopped caring. After starting work, frequent socializing, late nights, and drinking became routine. I often caught colds, and each time, hematuria returned. I’d take antibiotics, assuming it’d resolve as before. I never followed up. Then, during a high fever, I went to the hospital. My creatinine was over 200, with 5g of proteinuria. A biopsy showed chronic damage. My negligence cost me dearly.”

Many kidney patients see themselves in these stories: ignoring early signs, failing to access proper treatment, or growing complacent over time. Some chase quick fixes, only to take detours. Chronic kidney disease often involves fluctuating indicators, and avoiding uremia requires patience, confidence, early intervention, and consistent care. Find a reliable doctor for regular monitoring—there are no shortcuts.