World Kidney Day
-Prioritizing Renal Wellbeing

→ KNOW YOUR KIDNEYS – WARNING SIGNS OF KIDNEY DISEASES – KEEPING KIDNEY HEALTHY

The kidneys are two small organs that play a vital role in maintaining the balance of fluids and electrolytes in your body. Each kidney is about the size of your fist and is located on either side of your spine, just below your ribcage.

The kidneys filter about 120 to 150 quarts of blood daily, removing waste products and excess fluid from your body to produce 1 to 2 quarts of urine. They also help regulate blood pressure, produce hormones that stimulate red blood cell production, and maintain the acid-base balance in your body.

Unfortunately, kidney disease often goes unnoticed until it is in its later stages, as symptoms may not appear until significant damage has already occurred. It is essential to maintain good kidney health through lifestyle changes such as staying hydrated, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.

World Kidney Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of March, aims to raise awareness about kidney health and encourage people to take steps to keep their kidneys healthy. So, take the opportunity to learn more about the importance of maintaining good kidney health and how to prevent kidney disease on this day.

“Kidney disease is a silent killer. You may not know the symptoms untill it’s too late. Get Screened today”

Kidney health for all
Advancing equitable access to care and optimal medication practice

This World Kidney Day spare a while to know your kidneys

Kidneys are vital organs located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage, each about the size of a fist. They play several crucial roles in maintaining overall health and well-being.

Kidneys act as natural filters for the blood. They help remove waste products and excess fluids from the body, which are then expelled as urine. This process is essential for maintaining proper electrolyte balance, regulating blood pressure, and ensuring overall metabolic stability.

Kidneys are involved in the production of certain hormones that are crucial for various bodily functions. One such hormone is erythropoietin, which stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Another hormone produced by the kidneys is renin, which helps regulate blood pressure and electrolyte balance.

The functions of the kidneys are integral to the body’s overall homeostasis, ensuring that waste products are removed efficiently and that essential substances are retained in the bloodstream at appropriate levels.

Why World Kidney Day?

World Kidney Day is an annual global health awareness campaign observed on the second Thursday of March each year. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of kidney health, highlight the impact of kidney diseases, and advocate for the prevention and early detection of kidney-related conditions.

This initiative was established to address the growing burden of kidney diseases worldwide and to promote education and access to healthcare services related to kidney health. Through various events, activities, and campaigns organized by healthcare professionals, patient groups, and organizations, World Kidney Day seeks to inform individuals about the risk factors for kidney diseases and encourage healthy lifestyle choices to prevent their occurrence.

The theme for World Kidney Day varies each year but always focuses on important aspects of kidney health, such as kidney disease prevention, early detection, treatment, and patient care. The theme for 2024 is Kidney Health for All – Advancing equitable access to care and optimal medication practice.

What are the warning signs of kidney disease?

Kidney disease typically impacts both kidneys, which can result in serious damage to the ability of kidneys to filter the blood. This may lead to the build-up of excess fluid and waste in the body. Although many forms of kidney disease may not show any symptoms until later stages, there are 6 warning signs to watch out for

High blood pressure.
Presence of blood and/or protein in the urine.
Abnormal levels of creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) detected in a blood test. BUN and creatinine are substances that accumulate in the blood when kidney function is reduced.
A glomerular filtration rate (GFR) that is less than 90. (A GFR between 60 and 89 may be normal for some people — such as the elderly or infants. That’s if they don’t have any kidney damage.)
Urinating more frequently, especially at night, experiencing difficulty or pain during urination.
Swelling of hands and feet, and puffiness around the eyes.

8 issues that kidney disease may bring up

Kidney disease can lead to a variety of serious health issues, impacting multiple systems within the body. Here’s a brief overview of the potential complications associated with kidney disease:

Heart disease: Kidney disease increases the risk of cardiovascular complications, including heart disease. Poor kidney function can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes and fluid in the body, which can strain the heart and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Heart attack and stroke: Individuals with kidney disease are at higher risk of experiencing heart attacks and strokes due to factors such as high blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and inflammation.
High blood pressure: Kidneys play a key role in regulating blood pressure by controlling fluid balance and producing hormones. When kidney function is compromised, blood pressure can rise, leading to hypertension, which further damages the kidneys and increases the risk of cardiovascular events.
Risk to life: Severe kidney disease, especially if left untreated, can significantly increase the risk of mortality due to complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Weak bones: Kidney disease can disrupt the balance of minerals in the body, leading to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. This is often due to abnormalities in calcium and phosphorus metabolism.
Nerve damage (neuropathy): Kidney disease can cause nerve damage, leading to neuropathy. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities, as well as other neurological complications.
Kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease, or ESRD): In advanced stages of kidney disease, known as end-stage kidney disease (ESRD), the kidneys lose their ability to function effectively. This requires treatment such as dialysis or kidney transplantation to sustain life.
Anemia or low red blood cell count: Kidney disease can lead to a decrease in the production of erythropoietin, a hormone responsible for stimulating red blood cell production. This can result in anemia, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.

Learn about →
Diabetic Nephropathy: A Serious Kidney Complication

Stay healthy this World Kidney Day

Here are 7 things that people with kidney disease should do

Lower high blood pressure
Manage blood sugar levels
Reduce salt intake
Avoid NSAIDs (a type of painkiller)
Moderate protein consumption
Get an annual flu shot.
Regular health check-ups kind of mandatory

Here are 9 things everyone should do for renal wellbeing

Exercise regularly
Do not take medicines without a doctor’s consultation
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a balanced diet
Quit smoking
Drink in moderation
Stay hydrated
Monitor cholesterol levels
Get annual health check-ups

Preventive Healthcare Save Lives – Get Regular Health Check-ups

Diagnostic tests for kidney health

Routine Screening Tests

Urinary albumin test: This detects a protein called albumin in your urine. Normally, the kidneys don’t filter out albumin, so if there’s too much in your urine, it may indicate kidney problems.
Albumin/creatinine ratio: This test measures the ratio of albumin to creatinine in your urine sample. It provides insights into kidney function.
Glomerular filtration rate (GFR): It is a measure of how efficiently the kidneys filter blood. A low GFR indicates decreased kidney function.

Other Diagnostic Tests

Imaging tests: X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRI scans can help visualize the kidneys and assess blood flow.
Kidney biopsy: This procedure involves local anaesthesia and taking a small sample of kidney tissue to analyze in a lab. It provides more in-depth information about kidney health.

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At North City Diagnostic Center we offer personalized testing schedule that aligns with your medical history and risk factors. Consistent monitoring can be invaluable for early detection and effective management of arthritis. It’s not just about how often you test but making sure that the tests are aligned with your overall health profile for maximum benefit.

References

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