Kidney health cannot be ignored
Across the globe ailments that have been affecting the all-important human organ-Kidneys is witnessing an increased trend. Kashmir too has not escaped the phenomenon as kidney ailments have reported an upswing here as well.
Ironically, Kashmir is experiencing a significant surge in kidney ailments, with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) cases doubling in the past decade. Experts point out to various factors including diabetes, hypertension, and coronary diseases that contribute to majority of the cases.
What is surprising to note is that during the past year alone more than 320 CKD patients were admitted to dialysis centers in Baramulla alone. The figures highlight the concern towards kidney ailments needs to be taken seriously so that future damages are prevented.
Even a recently published global study carried by ‘The Lancet journal’ says that India had the second-highest number of people with chronic kidney disease in 2023 at 138 million, following China at 152 million.
The condition was the ninth-leading cause of death and claimed nearly 15 lakh lives globally the same year, researchers led by those at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington and other institutes in the US and UK found.
The highest prevalence was seen in North Africa and the Middle East at 18 per cent each, nearly 16 per cent in South Asia and over 15 per cent in each of Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean.
CKD is a major contributor to heart disease and accounted for almost 12 per cent of cardiovascular deaths around the world in 2023. It ranked as the seventh leading cause for heart-related mortality, ahead of diabetes and obesity, the team said.
Fourteen risk factors for chronic kidney disease were detailed in the study, with diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity driving the highest loss in healthy living.
Notably, dietary factors, such as a low intake of fruits and vegetables and a high consumption of sodium, also made substantial contributions towards one’s risk of chronic kidney disease.
Experts have been warning people to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated, besides monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar levels regularly so that kidney ailments can be avoided.
Thy also advise people to exercise regularly and manage stress besides, limiting the overuse of painkiller and resorting to self-medication.
The Lancet study also offered some hope as the researchers found that the most people with chronic kidney disease were in the early stages, highlighting the importance of screening programmes and strategies addressing disease risk.
Since a lot of thrust goes into improving the healthcare infrastructure in the country a huge stress needs to be laid on improving access to diagnosis and affordable care, tackling key risk factors, and investing in strategies that prevent the disease from further advancing.
