Why Kidney disease, Dialysis and Transplants are Increasing ?

    The kidneys are a pair of organs about the size of your fist lying at the back of your abdominal cavity just under your ribs. 

In this article I shall examine current reseach based information on the major causes of kidney disease which leads to its failure to perform its crucial role of filtration. I shall also give you health tips and proven preventive measures. 

The kidneys perform several funtions which include the manufacture of hormones, regulation of blood pressure and most importantly the filtration of blood. 

The kidneys fiter your blood continously to get rid of unwanted toxins and minerals.  About 25% of your blood volume passes through your kidneys every minute.

On my visit to Africa after several years practicing medicine in Europe I was surprised by the number and age of people suffering from Kidney disease.

According to the World Health Organisation WHO, in 2019, diabetes and kidney disease due to diabetes caused an estimated 2 million deaths.

37 million American adults have Chronic Kidney disease (CKD), that is 1 : 7, and millions of others are at increased risk.

Those of Africa, Asian and Native American descent are 4 times more likely to be dIagnosed with CKD.

Factors that can increase your risk of chronic kidney disease include:

1. Diabetes

2. High blood pressure

3. Heart (cardiovascular) disease

4. Obesity

5. Genetics, being of African, Native American or Asian descent

6. Family history of kidney disease

7. Smoking

8. Rarely, Abnormal kidney structure

9. HIV - Human immunodeficiency virus

HIV associated nephroopathy (kidney disease), HIVAN, accounts for between 5-10% of all cases. Its incidence varies widely geographically and is found almost exclusively among people of African descent. 

The mechanism of association between AIDS and CKD is not well known but it has been deminstrated that the virus replicates rapidly in renal tissue.

Adult onset Diabetes also called type 2 diabetes and hypertension make up the causes of 70% of all those with CKD.

The number of people with diabetes rose from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. That is 400% in 20 yrs. Prevalence has been rising more rapidly in low- and middle-income countries in Africa, South Anerica and Asia, than in high-income countries.

Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure

Heart disease is the primary cause of death for all people with CKD 

Early Detection 

Just like your blood cholesterol level, its important to know your Kidney numbers. Your most important Kidney numbers include ;

1. Estimated Glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)

In europe, CKD , chronic kidney disease is defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m^{2  .}

 

2. Urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR)

Your doctor may opt to perform a CT scan to get a picture of your kidneys and urinary tract to spot any kidney or urinary tract structure problems. 

Using this test, they can determine if your kidneys are too large or small or have issues like a kidney stone or tumor. 

They may also choose to biopsy the kidney to check for a specific type of kidney disease, see how much kidney damage has occurred, and help plan management. 

During dialysis, a machine removes blood from your body, filters it through a dialyzer (artificial kidney) and returns the cleaned blood to your body. 

This 3 - 5 hour process may take place in a hospital or a dialysis center three times a week. 

There is usually a provision of dedicated dialysis machines for HIV positive patients inorder to prevent cross infection.

Dialysis costs currently above €100k a year per patient. That's just the financial cost. Its energy and mentally sapping as well.

The sad fact is dialysis is not an effective long term treatment option. 

The best time to have a kidney transplant is before the first dialysis!

The mortality in the USA - risk of death, of a patient on dialysis is 50% in 5 years. Half of all patients on dialysis will be gone in 5yrs.

Symptoms of Kidney disease

There maybe no symptoms until  kidney disease is advanced. However, you may notice that you,

Feel more tired and have less energy

Have trouble concentrating

A poor appetite

Trouble sleeping

Muscle cramping at night

Swollen feet and ankles, also a sign of a failing heart

Puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning

Dry, itchy skin

A need to urinate more often, especially at night.

There are five stages of kidney disease. In stage 5 kidney disease, healthcare providers consider you to be in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or kidney failure. 

At this point, kidneys are carrying out around 10% to 15% of their normal function. You may need dialysis or a surgical operation to transplant your kidneys to stay alive. Some people undergo dialysis while waiting for a transplant.

Prevention is the best Treatment 

Avoiding high-sugar diets, fatty foods, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive salt intake, and over-the-counter painkillers will go a long way in ensuring your kidney's well being.

We know Diabetes and High blood pressure are the most common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The third is Obesity.

Factors that contribute to developing type 2 diabetes include being overweight, not getting enough exercise, and genetics.

To help prevent type 2 diabetes and its complications, which includes CKD, people should,

* Keep a health body weight

* Stay physically active with at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day

* Eat a healthy diet and avoid a HIGH CALORIE, SUGAR and Saturated FAT diet.

* Switch to a wholesome mainly plant protein based diet.

The two great enemies are therefore Sugar and Salt. Suger because it may lead to diabetes and Salt, since it's a major cause of hypertension.

Have you or a loved one had any experience with Kidney disease.  Please share your story.

Thanks for being here and goodluck on your journey to wellness. i invite you to check out other articles that may interest you using the search button at the top of the page. God-isLove.

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