Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere – from Prevention to Detection and Equitable Access to Care

World kidney day is celebrated every second Thursday of March worldwide, aimed at increasing awareness about kidney diseases and its impact on our health.

 Worldwide approximately 850 million people are affected with kidney diseases and one in ten adults across the globe has CKD [Chronic Kidney Disease]. The incidence of CKD is increasing at an exponential rate all over the world. By 2040, it is projected that CKD will be the 5th most common cause of years of life lost.

There are five stages of CKD: stage 1 to 5, stage 5 being the most severe stage. Once CKD is diagnosed it is incurable and the patient needs lifelong care. Most patients in low and middle income countries have insufficient access to life saving dialysis and renal transplantation.

Most importantly, kidney diseases can be preventable and progression to end stage renal disease can be delayed with appropriate diagnosis and management with basic diagnostics and early treatment. Hence, there is a need to increase the awareness about the preventive measures for kidney diseases to the community, medical fraternity and government authorities.

 The 2020 WKD underlines the importance of preventive interventions to deter the onset and amelioration of kidney disease.

Did you know that your kidneys:

• Make urine

• Remove waste and extra fluid from the blood

• Control your body’s chemical balance

• Help control your blood pressure

• Help keep your bones healthy

• Help you make Red Blood cells

Risks factors for kidney disease?

• Do you have high blood pressure?

• Do you suffer from diabetes?

• Do you have family history of kidney disease?

• Are you overweight?

• Do you smoke?

• Are you over 50 years of age?

• Are you of African, Hispanic, Aboriginal or Asian origin?

If any of the above mentioned risk factors is positive in you, you should consult a Nephrologist.

How to Detect CKD [Chronic Kidney Disease]?

• Early CKD often has no signs and symptoms. A person can lose up to 90 % of their kidney function before experiencing any signs or symptoms.

• Simple tests can detect CKD like: urine examination and blood tests for Urea and Creatinine. 

• Signs of advancing CKD include: swollen ankles, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, decreased appetite and foamy urine.

Health tips for good kidney health:

• Keep fit and active

• Keep regular control of your blood sugar level

• Monitor your blood pressure and optimal control of BP

• Eat healthy and keep your weight in check

• Maintain a healthy fluid intake

• Do not smoke

• Do not take over-the-counter pills on a regular basis, especially pain killers.

• Avoid herbal medicines.

• Get your kidney function checked regularly.

Dr. Pramod Kamble

Senior Specialist Nephrologist

MD (Internal Medicine), Fellowship in Neprhology (Mumbai), FRCP (Edin, UK)

Badr Al Samaa Hospital, Ruwi 

Dr. Manns Manohar John

Specialist Nephrologist

MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Nephrology)

Badr Al Samaa Hospital, Ruwi 

For more information and appointments please call 24799760 or visit: www.badralsamaahospitals.com