(March 13-2008)

Scandals, scandals everywhere,
But there is hardly enough care!!

World Kidney Day is religiously celebrated on the second Thursday in the month of march each year, in 6 continents, stretching across 80 countries.

The purpose of this health day is to focus on those vital organs-kidneys- that tirelessly function to keep us alive, healthy and fit. Another important goal of the day is to spread awareness among the masses about Chronic Kidney Disease –a condition that it is common, harmful, yet, treatable.

Kidneys-Their Role

Each of our kidneys is the size of a fist. They are located in the abdomen just below the rib cage. They have an impressive lineup of tasks, some of which are listed below-

• Kidneys act as sieves and toil hard to flush out the toxins and excess water. Each day the kidneys filter 200 litres of blood, a quantity that could easily fill 20 buckets.
• They also help to control blood pressure
• Kidneys help to maintain healthy bones
• They participate in RBC production

Chronic Kidney Disease

A diseased kidney looses its ability to function efficiently. That is when a person is suspected to have the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). It often goes unnoticed and is therefore called the 'silent killer’. Several studies have revealed that 1 out of every 10 adult has some kind of complication involving the kidney.

Causes/Risk Factors of CKD

• Both Type I and Type II Diabetes
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Family history of heart diseases
• Increased protein in the urine

Risks Associated with CKD

CKD may also worsen to a point where the diseased kidney has to be replaced. In cases where that is not possible, regular dialysis may sustain the life of the individual. This is done by using machines which take over the task of the kidneys.

People with CKD have a greater chance of suffering from heart disease and stroke.

Managing CKD

Fortunately for mankind, CKD is treatable and to a large extent preventable.

• Early detection is paramount for effective treatment. Simple laboratory tests on blood and urine samples and routine blood pressure checks can help to detect a kidney malfunction. Early detection not only arrest the progress of CKD but it can, to a large extent, retard the incidence of heart-related diseases and stroke
• Detecting the disease early can in turn initiate timely treatment, which is crucial to CKD management.
• People above 40 years of age, particularly those with diabetes and hypertension should do regular checkups to make early CKD detection possible.
• If lab tests reveal that a person has kidney disease, then specific drugs such as ACE inhibitors and ARBs provide effective treatment.

Remember, early CKD has no symptom or sign. It is left to every individual to maintain a systematic vigilance to protect the kidneys in order to enjoy a long, long inning!

Source-Medindia
Dr. REEJA THARU/L