Kidney disease on the rise, check yours today
Disalysis is becoming a very common treatment option in kidney failure.
The frequency of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) caused mainly by the rising number of diabetes and hypertension continues to increase worldwide. CKD leads to end stage renal (kidney) disease (ESRD) or chronic kidney failure (CKF) and needs either dialysis or transplant to survive. Since getting a transplant is often limited by the shortage of donor organs, dialysis — another costly alternative is the most common route of treatment. In order to encourage transplantation as the best outcome option for kidney failure, and to promote the act of organ donation as a life-saving initiative, World Kidney Day was observed on March 8, 2012. The slogan for this year's campaign was Donate — Kidneys for Life — Receive. Estimates suggest that at least 20 million people suffer from some form of kidney diseases in Bangladesh and 35,000 of them die of kidney failure. Many of these deaths could be prevented by early detection with simple and inexpensive urine test and adopting healthy lifestyle! If detected early, chronic kidney diseases can be treated and this reduces other complications and drastically reduces the growing burden of death and disability. Experts recommend the following healthy ways of living to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease. Keep regular control of your blood sugar levelAbout half of people who have diabetes develop kidney damage. So, it is important for people with diabetes to have regular tests to check their kidney functions and treated accordingly. Monitor your blood pressure
Although 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 common cause of kidney damage. Reduce salt intake and keep your weight in check
This can help prevent diabetes, heart disease and other conditions associated with CKD. The recommended salt intake is around a teaspoon per day. In order to reduce salt intake, try and limit the amount of processed food and do not add salt to food. Maintain a healthy fluid intake
Drinking 1.5 to 2 litres water per day helps kidneys clear sodium, urea and toxins from the body which, in turn, results in a significantly lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Do not smoke
Smoking slows the flow of blood to the kidneys and impairs their ability to function properly. Do not take over-the-counter pills on a regular basis
Common painkiller drugs are known to cause kidney damage if taken regularly for long time. If you are dealing with chronic pain, such as arthritis or back pain, consult a specialist physician to find a way to control your pain without putting your kidneys at risk. Check your kidney function if you have one or more of the high risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, family history of kidney disease.
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