Your kidneys are complex and essential organs that perform many critical functions to keep you healthy. On the occasion of this year’s World Kidney Day (WKD), that took place on March 13, let’s highlight potentially life-changing impact of early detection and intervention in preventing and managing kidney disease.
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as chronic kidney failure, is the gradual loss of kidney function. The kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, which are then excreted in the urine. When CKD reaches an advanced stage, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes, and waste accumulate in the body.
Take care of your kidneys
Your kidneys help:
- Produce urine
- Remove waste and excess fluid from your blood
- Maintain your body’s chemical balance
- Regulate blood pressure
- Keep your bones healthy
- Produce red blood cells
The silent threat of CKD
CKD is often called a “silent disease” because symptoms do not appear until the later stages. Without early treatment, CKD progresses and can lead to kidney failure, a life-threatening condition where the kidneys can no longer function. CKD ranks 7th among the top 10 causes of death from noncommunicable diseases worldwide and significantly increases the risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease.
Who is at risk?
CKD is more common among certain ethnic groups due to higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure. It is also more prevalent in women.
Signs and symptoms of CKD
As kidney damage progresses, symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sleep disturbances
- Changes in urine output
- Reduced mental sharpness
- Muscle twitches and cramps
- Swelling in the feet and ankles
- High blood pressure
These symptoms are often nonspecific, meaning they can also be caused by other illnesses.
Causes and treatment
Common risk factors for CKD include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, smoking, and obesity. While some kidney diseases can be treated, CKD has no cure. However, treatment can help manage symptoms, reduce complications, and slow disease progression.
Without urgent policy action, CKD is projected to become the 5th leading cause of Years of Life Lost by 2040. In 2010, 2.6 million people with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) received dialysis or transplants; this number is expected to rise to 5.4 million by 2030. Raising awareness about kidney health is more critical than ever.
Women and kidney health
Women are at higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to their anatomy. If left untreated, these infections can progress to pyelonephritis (kidney infection) and even sepsis, which can be life-threatening. Advanced CKD, especially when dialysis is required, can also affect fertility. However, with intensive treatment, conception on dialysis is possible.
Kidney disease and obesity
Being overweight increases the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and kidney disease. By 2025, obesity is projected to affect 18% of men and 21% of women worldwide. In some countries, more than one-third of adults are already obese, and another third are overweight. Childhood obesity is also rising, leading to long-term health consequences and increased medical costs.
8 golden rules to prevent CKD
Diabetes is the most common risk factor for CKD, with high blood sugar being a primary contributor. Follow these steps to protect your kidney health:
- Stay fit and active
- Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly
- Keep your blood pressure in check
- Eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid smoking
- Limit over-the-counter medications
- Get your kidney function checked if you have risk factors
By taking these steps, you can protect your kidneys and reduce the risk of CKD. Spread awareness and take charge of your kidney health today!
Keep in mind that…
- A healthy kidney is roughly the size of your fist, about 4-5 inches each.
- The entire blood in the body gets filtered around 400 times in a day through the kidneys(!!)
- People with a high risk of kidney disease or those with only one kidney should avoid high protein diet
- Patients with more severe kidney disease should maintain a low protein diet.
- Nicaragua is the country with the highest percentage of male and female death due to Chronic Kidney Disease.
- Obese people have an 83% higher risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease.
