World Kidney Day observed: over 25 million Pakistanis suffering from kidney diseases

In the face of surge in the incidence of chronic kidney disease in the country mainly on account of late diagnosis, high volume of stone disease and rising trend of diabetes and high blood pressure in people, World Kidney Day-2014 was celebrated on Thursday like other parts of the globe with a resolve to continue efforts for creation of healthy lifestyle by raising awareness against the diseases.
To mark the day, walks, seminars, medical camps and other scientific activities were held in which experts highlighted that blood pressure and diabetes need to be controlled optimally to keep kidneys healthy and the best way to prevent their failure is early diagnosis of underlying disease and aggressive treatment.
Diet, nutrition and lifestyle should be healthy throughout the life even if diabetes or blood pressure is under control, they said, adding: "Toxic drugs and fake medicines had their own considerable share in kidney damage and the disease was diagnosed through history, examinations by qualified doctors and certain tests." They said that many people knew nothing about the kidney disease until it was too late. Because of lack of awareness diagnosis gets delayed, as unlike many diseases, kidney disease often had no symptoms until it was very advanced.
World Kidney Day is a global health awareness campaign focusing on the importance of kidneys, reducing the frequency and impact of kidney diseases and its associated health problems world-wide. The day is celebrated through joint initiative of International Society of Nephrology and International Federation of Kidney Foundations.
Sharif Medical City Hospital and Sharif Medical & Dental College also marked the day. A free medical screening camp was established where over 700 patients were consulted by specialist doctors of nephrology and urology. Patients were consulted and examined free of cost. Free medicines were distributed and all laboratory and radiological tests were conducted free of cost.
Professor Tahir Shafi, Nephrologist, Professor Mahmood Ali Malik Physician and Dr Rafique Zaki Urology and Renal Transplant Surgeon addressed the participants. They explained that the main reasons of kidney failure are hypertension and diabetes mellitus. People can stop injury to kidneys by adopting healthy life style and controlling their blood pressure and blood sugar, they said.
Professor Junaid Sarfraz Khan, pro Vice-Chancellor University of Health Sciences appreciated the efforts of doctors, nurses and medical students for celebrating this day. Students of Sharif Medical & Dental College distributed pamphlets in local community centers, schools and private clinics and disseminated free information among the public in surrounding urban and rural colonies. Experts said clues that can make people aware of kidney problems, are generalised weakness, increasing paleness, aches and pain, vomiting, falling appetite, body swelling, breathing difficulties and blood in urine.
They further said kidney diseases also made risks for heart diseases and stroke higher. A completely failed kidney no longer filters wastes properly to keep the body healthy, they added. As per estimates, over 25 million Pakistanis are suffering from kidney diseases that are increasing dramatically and the cost of treating chronic diseases represents a leading threat to healthcare resources world-wide.