Kidney Disease, an underrated Killer
Health authorities and advocates are alarmed over the soaring cases of kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease, in the country due to the unhealthy lifestyle of Filipinos.
Close to 23,000 patients were undergoing dialysis treatments in 2013, this according to the Philippine Network for Organ Sharing of the Department of Health. The figure does not consist of those suffering from kidney failure but who are not able to get treatment.
It added that that the leading cause of kidney failure is diabetes, followed by hypertension and glomerulonephritis where the part of the kidney that helps filter waste and fluid in the blood is damaged. As our lives vary, our behavior changes and even the illnesses we suffer also change with it. To prevent kidney failure, it is important for a person to have their urine analyzed by a competent doctor at least once a year.
Last March 12, nephrologists around the world commemorated World Kidney Day (WKD). This is to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to our overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide. This year the WKD observance highlighted diabetes and high blood pressure as key risk factors for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
The Philippine Society of Nephrology – Central & Eastern Visayas (PSN-CEB) Chapter held a World Kidney Day Forum at the Cebu Capitol Social Hall last March 12. It stressed the importance of drinking enough water to keep the kidneys and the rest of the body in good condition.
Chronic Kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive failure in kidney function over a period of months or years. Both of our kidneys have about a million tiny filters, called nephrons. If nephrons are damaged, they stop working. For a while, healthy nephrons can take on the extra work. But if the damage continues, more and more nephrons shut down. After a certain point, the nephrons that are left cannot filter blood well enough to keep us healthy.
When kidney function falls below a certain point, it is called kidney failure. Kidney failure affects your whole body, and can make you feel very ill. Untreated kidney failure can be lifethreatening. Early chronic kidney disease has no signs or symptoms and if diagnosed, it usually does not go away. Kidney disease can be treated. The earlier you know you have it, the better your chances of receiving effective treatment.
What can we do for our kidneys?
Kidney diseases are silent killers, which will largely have an effect on the quality of life. There are however several easy ways to decrease the risk of developing kidney disease.
• Be fit and active
Keeping fit helps to decrease your blood pressure and therefore reduces the risk of Chronic Kidney Disease.
• Control blood sugar level
Kidney damage from diabetes can be reduced or prevented if detected early. It is vital to keep control of blood sugar levels with the help of specialists.
• Monitor blood pressure
Even though many people may be aware that high blood pressure can lead to a stroke or heart attack, few know that it is also the most frequent cause of kidney damage.
• Eat healthy and keep weight in check
Trim down salt intake. The suggested sodium intake is 5-6 grams of salt per day (around a teaspoon). In order to reduce salt intake, limit the amount of processed and restaurant food and do not add salt to food. It will be easier to control intake if you prepare the food yourself with fresh ingredients.
• Keep a healthy fluid intake
Consuming plenty of fluid helps the kidneys clear sodium, urea and toxins from the body which, in turn, results in a “significantly lower risk” of developing chronic kidney disease. It’s important to keep in mind that the right level of fluid intake for any person depends on many factors including gender, exercise, climate, health conditions, pregnancy and breast feeding.
• Do not smoke
Smoking slows the flow of blood to the kidneys. When less blood reaches the kidneys, it impairs their ability to work properly. Smoking also amplifies the risk of kidney cancer by about 50 percent.
• Do not take over-thecounter pills on a regular basis
This is common here in our country because most of us self-medicate. Common drugs such nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are known to cause kidney damage and disease if taken frequently.
Get your kidney function checked if you have one or more of the ‘high risk’ factors like diabetes, hypertension, obesity and a family member who is suffering from kidney disease.