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World Kidney Day: What is chronic kidney disease?

By FnF Desk | PUBLISHED: 13, Mar 2014, 15:04 pm IST | UPDATED: 13, Mar 2014, 15:04 pm IST

World Kidney Day: What is chronic kidney disease? New Delhi: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as chronic renal disease (CRD), is a progressive loss in renal function over a period of months or years. The symptoms of worsening kidney function are non-specific, and might include feeling generally unwell and experiencing a reduced appetite.

CKD leads to deterioration of kidney functions. Normal kidney function or glomerular filtration rate is up to 120 ml per minute. After the age of 30 years, it declines by 10 ml every 10 years. Main causes of CKD are diabetes and blood pressure. Polycystic kidney disease, immune disorders like lupus, kidney stones and urinary infections can cause CKD. Dialysis or transplant are only options for end-stage kidney failure.

Symptoms
Tiredness, weakness, swelling of feet, frequent urination, itching.

Pick it up early

Every person after 30 years of age should undergo blood pressure test, urine test for protein, blood test for creatinine and an ultrasound of kidney to ensure that they are functioning properly.

Rising numbers

Up to 4 lakh people suffer from chronic kidney end-stage disease in India. Only 1 per cent of patients get access to a kidney transplant. Patients with diabetes and high blood pressure tend to damage their kidneys. Abuse of pain killers for aches leads to deterioration of kidney.

Meanwhile, The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that one in 10 people around the world is living with some form of kidney disease. On the occasion World Kidney Day, observed on the second Thursday of March, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is partnering with Ooredoo to raise awareness about the importance of good kidney health.

Each year, HMC marks World Kidney Day as part of its efforts to raise awareness of the risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Embracing the 2014 theme of “CKD and ageing”, HMC is partnering with Ooredoo and holding activities until March 14.

Taking place at various schools, healthcare facilities and other public locations around the country, the planned activities include special events in the Al Bayan School complex today (March 11); free blood sugar, blood pressure and other education activities at Souq Waqif, City Center mall, Aspire Zone and Hamad General Hospital on March 13; a walkathon and other family activities at Katara – the Cultural Village on March 14; and a scientific symposium on March 15 featuring HMC experts who will speak on the latest research in the field.

During a press conference held at Hamad Bin Khalifa Medical City to announce the events, Ali Abdulla al-Khater, executive director of HMC’s Corporate Communications Department, expressed gratitude to Ooredoo for sponsoring the World Kidney Day campaign.

“We thank Ooredoo for their commitment to organising community events aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of Qatar’s population,” said al-Khater. “Events such as World Kidney Day are an important vehicle for educating the public about both preventive behaviours and living well with chronic illness. I urge the public to take advantage of the many activities we have planned, including free blood sugar and blood pressure checks.”

Dr Hassan al-Malki, consultant and head of HMC’s Nephrology Department, said this year’s campaign will focus on raising awareness of the risk factors associated with kidney disease, such as having diabetes or high blood pressure, smoking, having a family history of kidney disease and being over 50 years of age.

“Early detection of the disease makes it easier to manage and mitigate the risk of complications affecting the cardiovascular system and the brain,” Dr al-Malki said. “Kidney disease can effectively be detected through blood and urine analysis. People who are prone to kidney disease, such as diabetic and hypertensive patients, should have their kidney function tested on a regular basis. If detected at an early stage, kidney disease is treatable.”

Fatima Sultan al-Kuwari, head of public relations at Ooredoo, said: “Support of healthcare in Qatar is not new to us. Ooredoo has always been supportive of HMC’s efforts to combat and treat kidney disease; this stance has been realised through funding the renowned Fahad bin Jassim Kidney Centre.”

Aisha al-Khulaifi, head of corporate social responsibility at HMC, said: “A parade of Ambulance Service vehicles and quad bikes will also take part in the planned activities. There will be games and other activities focusing on health prevention and education.”