It’s a dirty job but Kidneys do it! Let’s take out some time to appreciate and care for this amazing duo on it’s special day.
World Kidney Day is an international health campaign which is celebrated every year on the 2nd Thursday of March all across the world. This day was initiated by the joint committee of “International Society of Nephrology and International Federation of Kidney Foundations”.
It lays it’s focus on raising awareness regarding the health and importance of this major body organ and reducing the frequency and impact of kidney diseases and associated health problems worldwide.
As most of the kidney diseases are preventable and curable, taking some smart measures can keep your kidneys in good health.
ASK AND ANSWER YOURSELF
Before you take some action, answer yourself of some questions like:
- Am I at risk?
- Do I suffer from high Blood pressure?
- Do I have diabetes?
- Do I have a family history of kidney disease?
- Am I obese or overweight?
- Do I have smoking habit?
- Am I more than 50 years of age?
- Am I of African, Aboriginal, Hispanic or Asian origin?
If your answer is yes to any of these questions, you must consult with your health practitioner to get the accurate solution as some chronic kidney diseases don’t show any signs or symptoms until they advance.
As a matter of fact, a simple kidney problem can cause you to lose up to 90% of your kidney functions without revealing any signs or symptoms.
LOOK FOR THESE SYMPTOMS
Most of the people do not experience any symptoms in early stages however, some of the symptoms like fatigue, early tiredness, swollen ankles and legs, low appetite, difficulty in concentration, blood in urine, foamy urine and etc can be felt if observed carefully. Some other symptoms of reduced kidney functions include:
- Variation in the amount, appearance and frequency of passing urine during night
- Pain in abdomen where kidneys are located
- High blood pressure
- Trouble in sleeping
- Headache
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Bad breath
PREVENTIVE CARE
- Keep yourself fit and active as exercises help in reducing the risk of developing Chronic Kidney Disease.
- Maintain and control the normal the blood sugar level as high blood sugar level lead to the diabetes and thus kidney damage.
- Regularly monitor your blood pressure as high blood pressure can cause kidney damage.
- Eat healthy and maintain normal weight as overweight and unhealthy eating habit lead to diabetes, heart diseases and many other problems further leading to Chronic Kidney Disease.
- Maintain the normal fluid intake on daily basis (at least 3 to 4 litres a day) as it helps the kidneys to flush out toxins which may increase your risk of developing chronic kidney diseases.
- Avoid smoking as it slows down the blood flow to the kidneys which disrupts their functioning as well as enhances the risk of kidney cancer by 50%.
- Avoid the intake counter pills on regular basis as these are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) may increase your risk of kidney damage and various diseases.
- Get proper and regular check up of your kidney functions.
Keep up to date with the health of your kidneys. The early detection and treatment of kidney problems is very important to prevent your kidneys from damage, deterioration and complications.
“We should have proper fluid intake to maintain hydration and urine output from kidney and consult the specialist for any urologic symptom for early diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease”, says Dr. Ashutosh Singh, Senior Consultant – Urosciences
