World Kidney Day
World Kidney Day is a global campaign observed every year to raise awareness on the importance of kidneys in our bodies. It is celebrated on 2nd Thursday of every March. Kidneys play an important role in keeping us healthy. Every year, the campaign focuses on different aspects of kidney care.
The COVID pandemic has made everyone aware that unexpected events may lead to enhanced vulnerabilities in our body and the kidney is no exception. In fact, people with kidney diseases are among the most vulnerable populations and an unexpected event like the pandemic has stressed this population further. Society in general, governments, health care givers, kidney patients and their families need to be prepared for any kind of eventualities and be able to care for the affected in the best possible manner.
Hence, this year, the theme of World Kidney Day is “Kidney Health for All – Preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable!”. This year’s campaign focuses on the preparedness of any concerned stakeholder about kidney health, its consequences and what precautions can be taken towards kidney health in the event of natural or manmade disasters.
Therefore, preparation for unexpected events is incredibly important for kidney patients. Integrated health strategies on early detection and management of non-communicable diseases must be made. In times of emergency, health care of chronic kidney patients should be on priority. The government and the patients and their family should be prepared for any kind of eventuality and be prepared with emergency kits which include medicines, food and water.
Chronic kidney disease is a progressive loss in kidney function over a period of time where the patient needs lifelong care. It occurs in 1 in 10 people in the world though the severity may vary. World Kidney Day aims at bringing about awareness on kidney care and how one can avoid complications.
What you should not forget:
Early chronic kidney disease has no signs or symptoms.
Chronic kidney disease usually does not go away.
Kidney disease can be treated. The earlier you know you have it, the better your chances of receiving effective treatment.
Diabetes and Hypertension are the most common causes of kidney disease
Simple blood and urine tests are used to check for kidney disease.
Kidney disease can progress to kidney failure.
If chronic kidney disease is detected early, it is controllable. If unattended, it can prove fatal.
Early detection and treatment can help avoid related cardiovascular complications too.
Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant is the best solution for kidney failure. The patient has a better quality of life and a better chance at survival as compared to dialysis. A donor kidney could be from a relative whose parameters match or from brain-dead persons. However, there is a long waiting list for receiving brain-dead donor kidneys. Only one kidney is enough for the patient to survive. A living donor is preferred. Live donor transplants have more than 90 percent chance of survival. World Kidney Day also promotes the importance of organ donation and kidney transplants.
We, at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, have state-of-the-art facilities for all aspects of kidney care including dialysis and kidney transplants with a high success rate.
Consultant
Department of Nephrology