What the UK public know about their kidneys
The knowledge is patchy at best. Here are some examples of what the UK public know (or do not know) about their kidneys.
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80% of the UK public do not know where the kidneys are
– in addition, 80% don’t know the kidneys filter blood -
Only 50% know their kidneys make urine
– and this is less likely if you are older - 78% think that medication does not damage the kidneys. It does, quite often. The kidneys are very sensitive organs
- 68% think too much alcohol damages kidneys. It does not. This is more likely to be believed by younger or older people
- 67% believe (incorrectly) a kidney transplant is a cure for CKD. It is not. In fact deceased donor kidney transplants last on average 10-15 years. Nonetheless 49% think kidney transplants last a lifetime
- 35% believe a physical blow endangers the kidneys. It rarely does
- 25% know the kidneys are involved in control of the body’s chemical balance. They are crucial to chemical balance
- 25% believe the kidneys are organs we can live without. This is not true. They are essential to life, as they are the body’s dustmen
- Only 1% think smoking endangers the kidneys. It does damage them. It is the main risk factor for renovascular disease (RVD), which is one the commonest causes of ESRF (i.e. dialysis or a kidney transplant) in older people.
Last Reviewed on 5 March 2024