The month of March brings with it the vow of spring, but it also draws awareness to a very noble cause. March is National Kidney Month, and it is an incredible opportunity for all of us to understand more about the function and significance of the kidney, as well as the potential risk factors for kidney disease.
National Kidney Month is demonstrated in March to raise public awareness about kidney disease, which is the ninth major cause of death in the United States.
As per the National Kidney Foundation, There have been reports of nonelderly adults contaminated with COVID-19 developing an acute kidney injury (AKI) — an unexpected loss of kidney function. There were no fundamental medical conditions in these adults. AKI can be reversed with proper treatment, including dialysis in serious cases.
One in every three American adults is in danger of kidney disease. Kidney disease is known as the “silent epidemic” because it frequently goes undetected until it progresses. The major causes of kidney disease are high blood pressure and diabetes. Heart disease, obesity, high cholesterol, and family background are all risk factors.
Importance of Kidneys
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs that are situated on each side of the spine, just above the waist, and are about the size of a small fist. Their basic function is to cleanse your blood of toxins or waste and then filter it out of your body via urine. They keep overall health by carrying out all of the following tasks:
- Controlling the salt, potassium, and acid content of the body.
- Drug removal from the body.
- Balance out the fluids in the body.
- Hormone release to control blood pressure.
- Producing active-form vitamin D to promote strong, healthy bones.
- Managing the production of red blood cells.
Common Symptoms of Kidney Diseases
In the initial stages of kidney disease, there are frequently no symptoms. It is easy for it to go unnoticed until it has progressed to more dangerous diseases. Here are the most common symptoms of kidney diseases.
- Vomiting and nausea
- Weakness and fatigue
- Breathing difficulty
- High blood pressure
- Foot and ankle swelling
- Appetite loss
- Urine frequency and output changes
Types of Kidney Diseases
1. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when your kidneys sustain long-term damage, causing them to lose their capacity to filter waste and fluid from your blood. Waste can accumulate in your body and damage your health.
2. Kidney stones:
Another common kidney problem is kidney stones. They form when minerals and other substances in the blood crystallize and form solid masses in the kidneys (stones). Kidney stones generally pass through the body during urination. Kidney stone causes a restriction in the filtration process that leads to blockage. Kidney C.O.P. Calcium Oxalate Protector has shown in laboratory studies to inhibit the growth rate of calcium oxalate crystals by 99%.
3. Glomerulonephritis:
Glomerulonephritis (gloe-MER-u-loe-nuh-FRY-tis) is inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys (glomeruli). Infections, drugs, or congenital abnormalities can all cause glomerulonephritis. The excess fluid and waste that glomeruli (gloe-MER-u-lie) remove from the bloodstream exit the body as urine. Glomerulonephritis can come on suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic)
4. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI):
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections of the urinary tract in the body. The most known infections are those of the bladder and urethra. They are highly treatable and rarely cause additional health issues. However, if these infections are not treated, they can spread to the kidneys and cause kidney failure.
5. Polycystic kidney disease:
Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder that causes numerous cysts (small sacs of fluid) to grow in the kidneys. These cysts can interfere with kidney function and cause kidney failure. (It’s important to note that individual kidney cysts are fairly common and almost always harmless. Polycystic kidney disease is a separate, more serious condition.)
The Significance of Kidney Awareness Month
National Kidney Month is an excellent time to take a constructive attitude to your family’s health and wellness. Prevention is the best treatment, so schedule regular check-ups and screenings to reduce your risk of serious conditions and diseases.
Well, basic preventive measures, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding or limiting the consumption of alcohol and tobacco products, can benefit us. Most seniors can consider living long, healthy lives free of CKD or other kidney complications if they take charge of their health and arm themselves; with information about CKD and kidney stones, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.