Last 9 March was World Kidney Day, a global campaign that aims to increase education and awareness about kidney health. This year’s theme is “Kidney Health for All — Preparing for the Unexpected, Supporting the Vulnerable.”
Chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. These include cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, chronic lung diseases, and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
At least one out of 10 people worldwide have kidney disease, and if left unrecognized and untreated, this can lead to various complications and eventually death. Based on the recent statistics, the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) reports that more than 850 million persons worldwide have some form of kidney disease.
The kidneys mainly produce urine and excrete waste products produced by the body, controlling the body’s chemical balance and blood pressure. The kidneys also help to keep our bones healthy and produce red blood cells.
CKD is a progressive loss in kidney function over months to years. The majority of individuals with early-stage CKD are often asymptomatic and underdiagnosed. Kidney disease usually progresses silently and symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and water retention only show up at the end stage of the disease. If the kidney can no longer perform properly, patients will need hemodialysis or get a kidney transplant.
CHECK and control your blood pressure.
CKD is more often due to uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure. Other less common causes include: inflammation (glomerulonephritis), recurrent urinary tract infections and obstruction (from kidney stones or an enlarged prostate).
CKD also increases the risk of premature death secondary to heart attacks and strokes, and increases the risk of poor outcomes with severe infections, such as Covid-19.
The pandemic has highlighted how disruptive events can affect the healthcare system and lives of patients with NCDs such as CKD. Access to means for diagnosis and treatment were limited, even transportation to health facilities, such as dialysis units and doctors’ clinics.
Other emergency situations that can have an impact on patients with NCDs are earthquakes, typhoons and flooding. Patients should keep at least two-weeks’ worth of medications on hand at all times, in case supply is interrupted. Patients should also prepare emergency kits that are readily accessible, which include food and water for each person in the household. Emergency phone numbers and contacts should be listed and shared with family members in case you need to call someone for help. Updated medical records should also be included in the emergency kits.
DRINK two liters of water per day.
World Kidney Day also highlights the Eight Golden Rules to follow that can help keep your kidneys healthy.
Keep fit, be active. Maintain an ideal body weight.
Eat a healthy diet. Reduce your salt intake. The recommended sodium intake is five to six grams of salt per day.
Check and control your blood sugar. About half of those who have diabetes develop kidney damage, but this is preventable if the diabetes is well controlled.
Check and control your blood pressure. The normal adult blood pressure level is 120/80. If your blood pressure is persistently elevated above the normal range, consult your doctor.
Take appropriate fluid intake. Normally eight cups, approximately two liters per day for a healthy person in a comfortable climate. You may need more in warmer climates or with increased physical activity. The amount may need to be adjusted if you have kidney, heart, or liver disease.
Don’t smoke. Smoking slows the flow of blood to the kidneys and increases the risk of kidney cancer by about 50 percent.
EAT a healthy diet.
Don’t take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory/painkiller pills regularly. Common pain medications, such as ibuprofen and mefenamic acid, may damage the kidneys if taken too often.
Get your kidney function checked if you have one or more high risk factors such as:
•Diabetes
•Hypertension
•Obese
•Family history of kidney disease
By observing these rules and working closely with your doctor, patients at risk for kidney disease or those with CKD can decrease the risk for complications and live long and healthy lives.