The Importance of Maintaining Kidney Health
Did you know that one in every ten persons in the world suffers from renal disease?
Every year, an estimated 850 million individuals throughout the world are diagnosed with kidney disease, with the number of new cases increasing steadily over time. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a public health problem because it results in considerable morbidity and death among the population. In the year 2019, it was responsible for 1.4 million fatalities over the world. Every year, around 175,000 patients in India are treated with dialysis or get a kidney transplant.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease and how does it manifest itself?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by a gradual decrease of kidney function over time [months to years]. There are millions of nephrons in each kidney, and they work together to filter wastes, toxins, and excess fluids from the blood, which are then excreted through the urine. Besides that, kidneys maintain the levels of water and minerals in the body, and they are critical in the creation of vitamin D, red blood cells, and hormones that regulate blood pressure.
When the kidneys are injured, they filter waste more slowly, which can result in a buildup of toxins in the body, as well as an alteration of the electrolyte and fluid balance, which can result in major health concerns.
Kidney Failure Progresses Through Several Stages
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a silent killer that affects millions of people worldwide.
It is referred to be a silent killer since chronic kidney disease develops gradually over time and a person does not exhibit any warning signs and symptoms until the disease has progressed to the point where there is no hope of recovery.
If part of the nephrons are injured, healthy nephrons take on the extra job, and the individual is oblivious of the cumulative damage that is occurring, which can finally result in kidney failure and death.
What are the causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and how can you prevent it?
The most common causes of chronic kidney disease in Indians are long-standing or uncontrolled diabetes [high blood sugar damages the kidney's tiny blood vessels], chronic interstitial disease [inflammation of the kidney's tubules and surrounding structures], and hypertension [high blood pressure puts strain on the kidney's small blood vessels]. Other variables that may have a role in kidney injury include the following:
Recurrent kidney infection, blockage of the urinary tract (due to stones, cancer, or an enlarged prostate), and urinary tract obstruction
Glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and other kidney disorders are among the most common.
Chronic heart failure [in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood to the kidneys].
Cholesterol levels are high.
Smoking
Obesity
Kidney disease in the family is a possibility.
What are the signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease?
Early chronic kidney disease is characterized by the absence of any signs and symptoms. The following symptoms may be present in advanced disease:
Excessive fatigue/a sense of being ill
a feeling of being out of breath
Ankles, foot, or hands that are swollen
Nausea and vomiting, as well as a loss of appetite
Having difficulty falling asleep
Urine with blood in it
Urination on a regular basis, especially at night
Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease
Because there is currently no cure for chronic kidney disease, the primary focus of treatment continues to be symptomatic alleviation, treatment of underlying illnesses, and drugs to slow the progression of kidney damage. Renal replacement therapy (dialysis and transplantation) is required in individuals who have reached the end stage of the disease's progression. However, if kidney disease is detected in its early stages, it may be effectively treated and maintained. This can be accomplished by basic blood and urine testing.
Tips for keeping your kidneys in good condition
To maintain the health of the kidneys, conscious efforts and rigorous self-care are required.
1. Diet and way of living:
Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet:
To maintain blood pressure under control, it is advised that you eat a low-salt diet (no more than 5 mg per day).
Stay away from refined /processed foods as well as excessive sugar.
When it comes to those with early kidney disease, a low-protein diet is typically suggested in order to prevent the illness from deteriorating.
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Maintaining physical activity is important for maintaining a healthy body weight and blood pressure.
Smoking should be avoided, and excessive alcohol use should be kept to a minimum.
2. Take your recommended medications on a regular basis to treat your underlying issues. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications should not be taken on a daily basis since they are damaging to the kidneys.
3. Make frequent checkups and testing a priority.
Know the status of your blood glucose [Blood sugar, HbA1c]: Diabetics who do not maintain tight control of their blood glucose are more likely to have kidney damage.
Especially in high-risk persons [diabetes, hypertension, obesity, family history of renal disease], kidney function testing (both blood and urine tests) are recommended.
Determine your blood cholesterol levels and keep them stable in order to avoid the development of cardiovascular disease, which can have a negative impact on kidney function.
Blood pressure should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that it remains under control.