Every year, on the second Thursday of March, World Kidney Day is celebrated, a date dedicated to raising awareness about health access and the prevention of kidney disease, but do you know what chronic kidney disease is?
The kidneys perform a basic function for our body: filtering waste and excess fluids in our blood, to later be eliminated through urine.
Chronic kidney disease occurs when there is a gradual loss of kidney function. When it reaches an advanced stage, it can develop into end-stage renal disease, which can be fatal if necessary medical procedures, such as artificial filtration (dialysis) or a kidney transplant, are not performed.
According to data from the Secretariat of Health, in 2010 there were at least 40,000 new cases of kidney failure in Mexico. Unfortunately, this condition has grown quickly (11% per year) in recent years due to the lack of prevention.
The Mexican Kidney Foundation estimates that 150,000 people in Mexico suffer from chronic kidney disease, a figure that could double due to the increase in diabetes and obesity.
Symptoms:
- Nausea.
- Vomit.
- Lack of appetite.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Change in the amount of urine.
- Decreased mental speed.
- Spasms and muscle cramps.
- Swelling of the feet and ankles.
- Constant itching.
- Chest pain, if fluid builds up on the heart lining.
- Shortness of breath, if fluid builds up in the lungs.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
Risk factors:
- Diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Cardiovascular diseases.
- Smoking.
- Obesity.
- Family history of kidney disease.
- Renal structure anomaly.
- Old age.
What can I do to take care of my kidneys?
- Exercise regularly.
- Have a healthy diet.
- Have regular control of blood glucose levels.
- Not smoking.
- Avoid consuming over-the-counter medicines.
- If you have any risk factors, check your kidney function.
If you have any of the aforementioned symptoms or have any risk factors, contact a specialist to perform the corresponding tests and start timely treatment.
At ABC Medical Center’s Department of Internal Medicine, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354521
https://www.gob.mx/salud/articulos/dia-mundial-del-rinon-150545
https://www.renalis.com.mx/la-insuficiencia-renal-en-mexico/
