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One in ten adults in the world suffers from Chronic Kidney Disease while nine out of ten are unaware that they suffer from it.
This is established by a study by the World Health Organization (WHO).
This disease is often underestimated by those who suffer from it because they do not pay attention to its symptoms and warnings.
Chronic Kidney Disease affects the kidneys in a chronic and irreversible way, as it involves a progressive loss of function of these organs.
These are essential, since their function is to filter waste and liquids from the blood, eliminating them in the urine.
According to specialists, when the kidneys no longer work properly, there can be a dangerous accumulation of fluids, electrolytes and waste in the body.
CKD may be associated with diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure. These two conditions can cause damage to blood vessels and filters in the kidneys.
The symptoms are general and non-specific, meaning they may be caused by other conditions. This can make it difficult to diagnose CKD in its early stages.
However, some of the most common symptoms include:
- Changes in urine production: urinating more or less frequently than normal, appearing foamy or brown.
- Swelling in the ankles, feet, legs or face.
- Fatigue: You may feel tired and weak, even after resting.
- Loss of appetite and weight without trying.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Dry and itchy skin.
- Sleeping problems.
- Muscle cramps, especially at night.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Trouble concentrating or thinking clearly.
According to the latest internal technical report of the Ministry of Public Health for 2022, a worrying increase of 3,686 new cases was recorded.
In addition, the report noted that some 20,000 Ecuadorians depend on hemodialysis or kidney transplants. This makes the need for effective interventions in prevention and treatment urgent.
Diego Caro, medical manager of AstraZeneca’s Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Unit, assures that chronic kidney disease is increasingly worrying.
“Therefore, it is necessary to work on effective interventions in terms of prevention and treatment that result in a positive impact for this complex condition that is still neglected in many places in the country,” he says.
Caro specifies that there are factors that can slow the progression of the disease and its appearance and shares measures that can be adopted.
Among these are, opting for a healthy diet with the following points to consider.
Excessive salt consumption and fried or ultra-processed foods can increase the risk of diabetes or hypertension and, eventually, CKD. Avoid these foods as much as possible and choose a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat foods.
Restrict alcohol and tobacco consumption. It is advisable to reduce the intake of alcoholic beverages to keep the organs functioning properly and prevent long-term conditions.
More activity and exercise. Obesity is a risk factor for the eventual development of chronic kidney disease. Regular exercise and physical activity are key to keeping the heart and kidneys functioning properly.
Preserving kidney health is vital to avoid future complications.
It must be taken into account that the entire circulatory system is connected, so any complication in one organ can lead to the deterioration of the entire system.