Safeguarding the kidneys
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Many do not give a thought to these two bean-shaped organs, each the size of a fist, nestling on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage.
The realization of their value dawns only when they are in trouble, as the kidneys perform the important task of removing waste from the blood and returning the cleaned blood to the body.
This is why the need to prevent kidney disease is being shouted from the rooftops by the President of the Sri Lanka Society of Nephrology (SLSON), Prof. Eranga Wijewickrama, as World Kidney Day is celebrated on Thursday (March 14).
The SLSON has organized numerous activities including a Kidney Walk to drive home the point of safeguarding one’s kidneys. With the theme of ‘Let’s unite to protect our kidneys’, this Consultant Nephrologist who is attached to the Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, points out that most people do not know that their kidneys are in trouble as symptoms come quite late in the day.
Some of the major risk factors for kidney disease are: Diabetes High blood pressure or hypertension Exposure to nephrotoxic drugs and substances
Prof. Wijewickrama stresses that those suffering from diabetes or hypertension need to keep these diseases under tight control, taking their medicines scrupulously and controlling their diet through lifestyle modifications. When diabetes and hypertension are controlled there is a significant lowering of the risk for kidney disease.
Referring to nephrotoxic drugs, he urges people not to buy over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or just because someone else is taking them, pop them at will. These NSAIDs include diclofenac sodium, ibuprofen, naproxen and mefenamic acid and should be taken only under medical advice and prescription. Even when prescribed by a doctor, longterm use is not advisable without strict evaluation by the doctor.
“This is while exposure to nephrotoxins could come in different forms – as supplements, vitamins, native treatment, skin applications and even with skin whiteners which could contain heavy metals,” he says, citing the example of how very high doses of Vitamin C, which many think is harmless can cause kidney injury. Sometimes fruit such as star-fruit could also be nephrotoxic.
Drink adequate amounts of water to keep dehydration at bay, Prof. Wijewickrama also advises, especially by those who engage in sports, exertion or manual labour in the searing heat.
How can a person recognize kidney disease?
“Usually, kidney disease manifests symptoms quite late, almost at the point when the kidneys have failed,” says Prof. Wijewickrama, pointing out that for early detection, the only answer is a simple blood test to check creatinine levels and a urine test for micro-albumin. This could be done routinely once a year.
In the unfortunate event of being diagnosed with kidney disease, he says that the patient should take action to protect whatever functions are left of the kidneys, as over time they would decline progressively.
“Here too the patient would need to control his/her diabetes and hypertension, prevent exposure to nephrotoxic medicines and substances and monitor kidney disease under specialist care,” he adds.