World Kidney Day 2021
World Kidney Day is a global health awareness campaign focusing on the importance of the kidneys and reducing the frequency and impact of kidney disease and its associated health problems worldwide. World Kidney Day is observed annually on the 2nd Thursday in March.
There are two kidneys in the human body, each one about the size of a fist, and they are located at the lowest level of the rib cage on either side of the spine. They have several vital functions including:
filter toxins/waste from the blood
regulate the body’s fluids and blood minerals
activate vitamin D to maintain healthy bones
release hormone that regulates blood pressure
release hormones that stimulate the production of red blood cells
There are several steps you can take to maintain the health of your kidneys throughout your lifetime:
exercise regularly
manage blood sugar levels
maintain a healthy weight
follow a balanced diet
stay hydrated
do not smoke tobacco products
drink alcoholic beverages in moderation
monitor your cholesterol levels
avoid NSAIDs ( a type of over the counter painkiller)
The term “Chronic Kidney Disease” (CKD) refers to having decreased kidney function for a period of three months or longer due to some type of kidney abnormality and encompasses 5 stages of kidney damage. Over 37 million adults in the United States have Chronic Kidney Disease, with even more at risk. There are many causes of CKD, some develop over time while some are congenital. Some of the more common causes of Chronic Kidney Disease include:
Type 1/Type 2 diabetes
high blood pressure
glomerulonephritis
interstitial nephritis
polycystic kidney disease
prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract due to kidney stones
recurrent urinary tract/kidney infections
Factors that may increase your risk of CKD include:
diabetes
high blood pressure
cardiovascular disease
smoking
obesity
family history of kidney disease
abnormal kidney structure
old age
being African-American, Native American, or Asian-American
Few signs or symptoms of the disease may be present in the early stages, due to the kidney’s ability to adapt and compensate for lost function. The nonspecific symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease may only become apparent once kidney function has been significantly impacted. CKD has the potential to progress to kidney failure which is fatal without the medical intervention of either dialysis (artificial filtering) or a kidney transplant. Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Weakness/fatigue
Problems sleeping
Changes in the frequency of urination
Decreased mental sharpness
Muscle cramps/twitches
Swelling of feet and ankles
Persistent itching
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
High blood pressure that is difficult to manage
While these symptoms may not present themselves until the kidneys have been damaged, there are significant warning signs to look out for that may aid in detection:
High blood pressure
Blood and/or protein in the urine
High levels of creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen in the blood
Glomerular filtration rate of less than 60
Difficult, painful, or more frequent urination (particularly at night)
Puffiness around the eyes
Swelling of hands and feet
Early detection and treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease are essential in preventing progression to kidney failure. If you have any warning signs or symptoms of kidney disease, you should make an appointment with your doctor for further evaluation. If you have a medical condition that increases your chances of developing CKD, it is likely your doctor will use blood and urine tests during regular visits to monitor your blood pressure and kidney function.
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