National Kidney Month, observed in the month of March is aimed at spotlighting the importance of kidney health & raising awareness about the increasing risk of kidney disease.

Kidneys are two small bean shaped organs located on either sides of your spine. These two small but powerful organs work tirelessly everyday to filter out toxins & make urine, regulate blood pressure, helps to produce red blood cells, vitamin D & regulate blood pH.

Various diseases, lifestyle habits & genetic factors can affect kidney function. Malfunctioning kidneys can lead to painful kidney stones & infection. This national kidney month, we have the opportunity to learn about kidney health, how to protect your kidneys & raise awareness about kidney disease.

Why kidney health matters?

Kidneys are essential for keeping the body functioning properly. Kidneys filter about 50 gallons of blood each day, remove toxins & excess water from your blood. Kidneys also help to control your blood pressure, produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO) that stimulates the bone marrow to produce RBCs. Kidneys control blood stream levels of many minerals and molecules including sodium & potassium and helps to control blood acidity. Given all these critical roles, it is clear why kidney health should be a priority for everyone.

The Silent Danger of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease, also known as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), is often called a “silent killer” because it can progress for years without causing noticeable symptoms. By the time people with CKD start to experience symptoms such as fatigue, swelling in the feet & ankles and difficulty concentrating, the disease may have already progressed to a serious stage. The kidneys are very good at compensating for damage. Even when one kidney is not functioning properly, the other one can take over the workload. Also, the early symptoms of CKD are often vague & can be easily attributed to other conditions.

Who are at risk?

Anyone can develop kidney disease, but some people are at higher risk than others. The major risk factors includes the following:

• Diabetes
• Family history of kidney diseases
• High blood pressure
• Older age
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Certain medications

Apart from these major factors, there are also other factors that can cause the risk for kidney disease that includes:

• Unhealthy diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• History of acute kidney injury
• Environmental factors such as exposure to certain chemicals or pollutants.
• Race (Hispanics, African Americans & American Indians are at higher risk)

Symptoms of kidney disease

According to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) one in three adults is at risk for kidney disease, but many of them are unaware of their condition. The following symptoms are early warning signs that you might be developing kidney disease.

• Fatigue & weakness
• Frequent urination, especially late at night
• Blood in urine
• Poor appetite
• Difficulty concentrating
• Muscle cramping
• Trouble sleeping
• Swollen feet & ankles
• Dry, scaly skin
• Puffiness around the eyes in the morning

How is kidney disease diagnosed?

Your doctor will first determine whether you are at a higher risk of developing kidney disease. They will then run kidney function tests to see if your kidneys are functioning properly.

Kidney Function Tests

Kidney function tests refer to medical tests used to evaluate the functions and health of kidneys. There are several kidney function tests, usually involving blood and urine tests. These include the following:

Blood tests

• Serum creatinine: Creatinine is a waste product in the blood that comes from muscles. The levels of creatinine in your blood will increase if your kidneys are not working properly.
• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR): Estimates how well your kidneys filter waste, based on your blood creatinine level, size, age and gender.
• Cystatin C test: This test measures the amount of cystatin C (a protein made by cells in your body) in your blood to assess kidney function.
• Other Kidney Function Tests: That checks for the levels of potassium, albumin, urea, creatinine, uric acid, calcium in the blood.

Routine Urine Tests

Also known as a urinalysis, is a simple test that examines the appearance & chemical composition of urine. It helps to -

• Check for infections, kidney problems, diabetes, and liver disease
• Diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Monitor bleeding in the urinary system
• Check for bladder stones

Urine Protein Creatinine Ratio (UPCR) Test

A UPCR test measures the levels of proteins and creatinine in your urine sample to assess kidney function and detect potential kidney problems such as proteinuria (excess protein in urine).

Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio (uACR) Test

A uACR test measures the amount of albumin in urine relative to the amount of creatinine.  Small amounts of albumin in urine, sometimes called micro albumin, may be one of the first signs of kidney disease. If you find kidney disease early, you can get treatment before it gets worse.

Ultrasound or Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

Ultrasounds and CT scans produce clear images of your kidneys and urinary tract. They can also show any tumors or structural problems that may be present.

Kidney biopsy

A kidney biopsy, also known as a renal biopsy, is a procedure that involves removing a small piece of kidney tissue for examination.

Kidney Disease Treatment

The treatment for kidney disease depends on the underlying cause and the stage of the disease. Early detection is the key to managing kidney disease effectively and preventing further damage. Here are the main treatment options:

• Lifestyle changes: Dietary modifications, controlling blood pressure, managing blood sugar levels, engaging in regular exercises.
• Medications: One or more medications might be prescribed depending on the underlying cause of your kidney disease.
• Dialysis: Dialysis is a procedure that uses machines to remove waste products from your blood when your kidneys are no longer able to perform this function by their own, acting as a temporary replacement for the kidneys.
• Kidney Transplant: In cases of end-stage renal disease, a kidney transplant may be the best treatment. This involves surgically replacing the damaged kidneys with a healthy donor kidney.

How to Protect Your Kidneys

While kidney disease can sometimes be unavoidable, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to protect your kidneys and lower your risk of developing the disease:

• Stay hydrated
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a balance diet
• Check and control your blood pressure
• Monitor your blood sugar levels
• Avoid overusing painkillers
• Get regular check ups & kidney screenings done

Conclusion

National kidney month aims to raise awareness about kidney health, disease prevention and the importance of proactive kidney care, focusing on early detection and promoting healthy habits to support kidney function.

Remember, your kidneys deserve attention & we are bound to protect these essential organs by adopting healthy habits and staying informed about the risks and symptoms of kidney disease.

This March, let’s take the time to raise awareness about kidney disease, educate those around you and make a commitment to prioritize kidney health.