Chronic Kidney Disease: Chronic kidney disease is gradually becoming a major health crisis in front of the world. A new global study published in The Lancet has been prepared by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. It is seen in this report that in 2023, CKD has become the ninth largest cause of death in the world. Last year alone, this disease took the lives of about 15 lakh people.
Not only this, the report states that today 788 million (78.8 crore) adults around the world are suffering from some level of kidney disease, which is double as compared to 1990. This directly shows that CKD is a silent disease which is spreading rapidly in every country, rich and poor. Its rate is highest especially in areas like North Africa, Middle East and South Asia. And the matter is not limited to kidneys only. This disease also has a deep impact on the heart. The report states that poor kidney function is responsible for 11.5 percent of cardiovascular deaths worldwide. That is, if put in simple words, CKD increases heart diseases manifold.
What was the most important finding in the report?
According to the latest global analysis, CKD will be included in the top-10 causes of deaths in 2023. Approximately 1.48 million deaths occurred due to this. Today about 800 million people around the world are living with more or less kidney function loss. From 378 million cases in 1990, this number has reached 788 million today, that is, more than double. Kidney related problems are found in more than 1 out of every 10 adults in the world.
Most affected areas
Come in North Africa and Middle East (highest prevalence) areas. About 16 percent of adults in South Asia are affected by it. The number is largest in China and India, about 152 million people in China and about 138 million people in India are affected by CKD.
After all, why is kidney disease increasing so much?
If we talk about why its cases are continuously increasing, then three big reasons are clearly visible, in which-
metabolic diseases
In this, the name of metabolic disease comes at number one. Diabetes, high BP and obesity are the biggest causes of CKD. These gradually damage the delicate filters of the kidneys.
increase in elderly population
The issue of elderly population comes second. This is because the filtering capacity of the kidneys decreases with increasing age, hence cases of CKD are more common in older countries.
Lack of diagnosis and treatment
In many countries, early testing is not easily available. People find out only when the disease has progressed too far.
Why should we pay attention to this?
Your kidneys silently remove toxins from your body every day, maintain water-salt balance and control blood pressure. The problem is that CKD does not give any specific symptoms in the initial stage and that is why it is called a silent killer. Weak kidneys have a bad effect on the heart. Blood pressure increases, waste accumulates in the body, and pressure on the heart increases. This is the reason why kidney failure is increasing heart deaths across the world.
Early signs not to be ignored
- Changes in urine – too much or too little urine, waking up frequently at night, foamy or bloody urine
- Swelling – swelling in the legs, arms or under the eyes
- Fatigue and weakness – Accumulation of dirt in the body increases fatigue.
- Itching, dry skin, nausea – due to increase in waste in the blood
- Shortness of breath, loss of appetite – these symptoms appear as the disease progresses.
- If any of these signs are seen, do not dismiss it as fatigue or age, get it checked.
What can you do?
- Regular checkups – GFR and Urine Albumin tests can detect early CKD
- Control risk factors – keep blood sugar, BP, weight under control
- Change lifestyle – less salt, adequate water, stay away from smoking
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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.
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