The Kidneys are two bean shaped organs, each around the size of a fist. They are situated below the rib cage, one on each side of the lumbar spine. World Kidney Day is observed on the second Thursday of March every year to raise awareness about prevention of kidney disease. The theme of 2022 World Kidney Day is “Kidney Health for all”
God has gifted all of us two miracle organs in the form of Kidneys. The brain performs cognitive tasks, the heart pumps blood to the entire body, kidneys filter out waste and toxic materials from our body in the form of urine. Kidneys are complex, robust, and tolerate lots of stress and injuries. Even a single normal working kidney is adequate to lead a healthy life. The increase of kidney disease in urban population is mainly due to diabetes and hypertension. The rural community is inflicted with kidney disease chiefly by consuming contaminated water with heavy metals, herbal and environmental toxins.
Important functions of kidney:
Clearing the impurities from body
Helping Haemoglobin, Vitamin D synthesis
Maintaining blood pressure.
Burden of kidney disease:
It is a Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) which currently affects about 950 million people around the world. The burden is so high that 1 out of 10 adults suffer from chronic kidney disease. It is projected as the fifth most common cause of death by WHO. People with low/middle income find it extremely difficult to afford life-saving dialysis or transplant.
Who are at risk of developing kidney disease?
Uncontrolled Diabetes, Hypertension.
Self-Medication, particularly pain killers for long duration.
Family history of kidney disease.
Those above the age of 60 years.
Obese, having liver, heart disease, collagen vascular disorders and stone disorder.
Those who are having congenital urogenital abnormalities
What are the symptoms?
If you are detected with early morning facial puffiness, swollen legs and feet, decreased appetite, recent uncontrolled HTN, low haemoglobin, early tiredness after minimum physical activities, unexplained shortness of breath and low quantities of urine. Since kidney disease related symptoms may not be obvious till very late, hence regular routine health check-up is the best option. Usually, kidney disease is detected by chance when you go for a routine health check-up.
How to diagnose kidney disease?
Simple and inexpensive three tests like Creatitine, Urine and USG abdomen are sufficient to confirm the diagnosis.
How to prevent kidney disease?
Knowledge about kidneys is essential to bridge the gap between prevention and development of disease. Individuals with diabetes, hypertension (HTN), history of recurrent kidney stone formation, family history of kidney disease should undergo Periodic health check. Regular intake of sufficient fluids. Moderate intake of salt, appropriate diet, physical workouts, avoid unnecessary over the counter drugs and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) intake. Avoid smoking, alcohol, addictive drug consumption.
Common mistakes done by public:
Once an individual is diagnosed with kidney disease, he/she should not presume the normal urine output which means kidneys have regained functioning. Individuals with kidney stones, by congenital kidney defects, recurrent urinary tract infection may look normal and fit but should regularly consult your Nephrologist to prevent development of kidney disease.
Prevention of further progression of existing kidney disease:
Disease can be controlled by good control of diabetes and HTN. Regular checkup of uric acid, cholesterol and if required treatment, advised to maintain good hygiene to avoid infections, consume home cooked food, boiled water, vaccination for hepatitis, pneumococcal, influenza and Covid-19. Keep fit with regular exercise, positive mood, reduce stress and regularly visit your Nephrologists to discuss and get empowered on good kidney health.
Treatment options:
Early detection is a key to arrest the progress of disease. Treatment options include, medical line of management for those who have early onset of disease, for advanced state of the disease, dialysis at least 2-3 times in a week is advised. With the advances in medical science kidney transplant is the best, long lasting option to overcome frequent dialysis. Patients with kidney disease will have to limit water intake.
It is advised to consume plenty of vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, whole grains, fish, and adhere to a regular exercise regime. Limit salt, meat, and sweets. Keep your diabetes and HTN under strict control. Visit your doctor regularly and adhere to medication. Health planners, medical fraternity, community health workers and NGOs should work together to curb the increase in the trend of kidney disease.
