World Kidney Day is a global health event observed on March 9 with an aim to bring patients suffering from kidney disease and highlight awareness about kidney health and how it can affect life. This health campaign also educates the populace about their role in maintaining overall health and well-being. The kidneys are the vital organs in the system that performs several bodily processes and without a healthy one, even the simplest task can become dreadful. Thus, on this health day, several activities are held including organized screening, preventive strategies, and promoting kidney transplant as the best possible option for kidney failure.
The World Kidney Day Joint Steering Organisation has announced 2023 as the year of “Kidney Health for All - Preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable”. This year’s event will pay attention to increasing awareness about disastrous events like earthquakes, flood, war, or the COVID-19 pandemic and their effect on people living with kidney problems whose access to proper diagnostics, treatment, and care is hampered.
Also Read: World Kidney Day 2022: Learn About The Impact OF Kidney Disease And COVID-19
As per statistics 1 in 10 people suffers from some kind of chronic kidney disease globally and it can occur at any age and several risk factors can trigger it. Also, it is observed that genetically people living in South Asian regions such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are at a greater risk of getting chronic kidney disease, mainly with increased rates of diabetes and hypertension.
In India, the prevalence of chronic kidney disease is 800 per 10 lakhs of people and the incidence of end-stage kidney disease is 200 per 10 lakhs and diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause. The rising prevalence of CKD can be encountered with increasing awareness and understanding of kidney health and disease. Further, early detection is considered a vital tool in the drive against preventing serious complications of CKD. This health day also encourages all government health organizations, non-government organizations, and stakeholders in regulating the CKD epidemic.
Kidney disease is a major public health concern, as it often gets undetected until it is a very advanced stage. And unfortunately, this is when a person may need dialysis or a transplant. Therefore, it is crucial to find a kidney problem before it troubles you. Regular monitoring is essential for everyone but is mainly vital for people at risk.
Read this article to learn more about kidney health, risk factors, symptoms, and strategies to prevent the risk of kidney disease.
5 Guidelines To Prevent Kidney Disease
Guide 1: Understand Facts About Your Kidneys
Functions of Healthy Kidneys
Some of the important functions of healthy kidneys include:
- Maintain the body’s fluid levels and electrolyte balance
- Filter out wastes and toxins from the blood
- Secretes hormone needed to control blood pressure
- Trigger vitamin D to regulate and strengthen bones
- Release hormone that initiates the production of red blood cells
- Maintain the balance of vital minerals (sodium, potassium, and phosphorus) in the blood
Health Problems Kidney Disease Can Cause:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Heart attack and stroke
- High blood pressure
- Weak bones
- Nerve damage
- Kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease, or ESRD)
- Anaemia
Also Read: Kidney Care: 5 Healthy Drinks To Cleanse Your Kidneys- Infographic
Guide 2: Evaluate Your Risk
The main risk factors of kidney disease include:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Family history of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or kidney problem
- Obesity
Other risk factors include:
- Age 60 or older
- Low birth weight
- Extended use of NSAIDs(painkillers)
- Autoimmune disorders
- Chronic urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones
Well, understanding your risk factor for kidney disease is the primary step to leading a healthier life. Now we made it much simpler for you to understand where you stand.
Guide 3: Watch Your Symptoms
Generally, most people with early-stage kidney disease will have no symptoms, which is why prompt detection is very important. By the time when symptoms exhibit, kidney disease may be at an advanced level and certain symptoms may be misleading. Some of the warning signs and symptoms that you should pay attention to:
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Difficult urination
- Foamy urine
- Dark coloured urine
- Excessive thirst
- Increased urge to urinate (mainly at night)
- Puffy eyes
- Swollen face, hands, abdomen, and lower extremities
Guide 4: Get Tested
Well, if you or your loved ones are at high risk then seek immediate medical help and get tested. Your healthcare provider may suggest certain blood works, which include:
Blood Pressure (BP test)
Uncontrolled blood pressure can damage small blood vessels in the kidneys. Hypertension is the second-leading cause of kidney failure after diabetes.
Ideal Blood Pressure Value: Below 140/90 is good for most healthy people.
Below 130/80 is better if you have CKD.
Below 120/80 is considered best.
Consult with your healthcare provider to see what is right for you.
Protein In Urine
Traces of protein like albumin in the urine(albuminuria) may be an early warning sign of kidney disease. Albumin and proteins in the urine(proteinuria) constantly indicate kidney damage.
Normal Range: Less than 30 mg of albumin per gram of urinary creatinine.
Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)
This test measures how well the kidneys are filtering the blood. Blood creatinine levels are measured and calculated to find out the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
Normal Range: Over 90 GFR is good. Between 60-89 GFR kidney health should be monitored. Less than 60 GFR for 3 months indicates kidney disease. Click Here To Book Your Kidney Function Test Today!
Guide 5: Maintain Overall Health
People suffering from kidney disease should follow these simple tips to maintain kidney health and enhance overall well-being.
- Control high blood pressure, as uncontrol blood pressure can damage the kidney
- Manage healthy levels of blood sugar to avert kidney damage
- Lower intake of salt and all processed foods. The normal intake of salt is 5- 6 grams per day
- Limit the usage of OTC medications and do not use NSAIDs, a type of painkiller without your doctor’s advice
- Choose healthy protein sources and take them in moderate amounts
- Regulate your fluid intake to help the kidney flush out waste. Drink about 1.5 -2 liters per day
- Lead an active lifestyle that helps to lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of chronic kidney disease
- Quit smoking, as smoking constricts blood circulation to the kidneys, impedes their function, and elevates the risk of kidney cancer
- Get your kidney function test done regularly if you have one or more of the risk factors
