World Kidney Day is celebrated every year on the second Thursday of March to draw attention to the importance of this disease. Stating that chronic kidney disease is quite common, Istanbul Okan University Hospital Nephrology Specialist Assoc. Dr. Osman Şahin made important statements for the healthy functioning of kidney functions on the occasion of World Kidney Day.
World Kidney Day is celebrated on the second Thursday of March every year around the world. Chronic kidney disease is a serious public health problem that has increased greatly worldwide in recent years. Risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, advanced age, multiple and uncontrolled drug use, and a family history of kidney disease are among the main causes of chronic kidney failure. Drawing attention to the important symptoms of kidney diseases, Assoc. Dr. Şahin said, “In a study conducted in our country, one out of every 7 adults has been shown to have chronic kidney disease. While there are symptoms such as shortness of breath, swelling in the body, decrease in the amount of urine, weakness, decreased appetite, nausea and vomiting in advanced renal failure, many patients may not show any symptoms. With the early detection of the disease and preventive medicine practices, the progression of the disease can be slowed down.
“The human body can withstand thirst for a week”
Drawing attention to the relationship of the earthquake that occurred in our country to the kidneys, Assoc. Dr. Şahin said, “Our country was deeply shaken by the earthquake disaster in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023. With this disaster in which more than 40 thousand people lost their lives, the “Crush Syndrome” came to our agenda again. Kidneys are the most affected organs in this table. Life-threatening acute kidney failure and potassium elevation as a result of muscle breakdown and inability of people to take enough fluids cause death in disaster victims. Studies show that the human body can withstand thirst for up to a week. Longer thirst is incompatible with life. It is very important to start appropriate fluid therapy at the wreck site for those rescued from the wreckage,” he said.
“Adequate fluid intake is very important for kidney health”
Assoc. Dr. Şahin said, “The main task of our kidneys is to maintain the balance of various electrolytes such as water, sodium and potassium in our body. Other duties include removing metabolic wastes (such as urea), regulating blood pressure, maintaining acid-base balance, metabolizing drugs, and producing and synthesizing hormones necessary for blood production. Adequate fluid intake is important for the healthy functioning of our kidneys. It is especially important to evaluate the kidney functions of people in the risk group and urine analysis. The disease can be brought under control by controlling the underlying disease and regulating diet, nutrition and drug regimens.
Also, Assoc. Dr. Şahin said, “According to the data of the Turkish Society of Nephrology for 2021, approximately 85 thousand people are receiving renal replacement therapy in our country. About 23 thousand people are waiting in transplantation centers to receive kidney transplantation from cadavers. In 2021, 15 people were transplanted from cadaveric kidneys in our country. This number is quite low. On the occasion of this important day, I invite all our people to donate organs.”
Source: (BYZHA) – Beyaz News Agency
