Kidney stone patients in Bahrain amongst highest in the world

TDT | Manama                                          

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com   

Reported by Zahra Ayaz

On the occasion of World Kidney Day, experts encourage everyone to get their kidney function checked, especially those with risk factors. A blood estimation of creatinine and a simple urine test are some of the easiest screening tests that can be done to assess kidney function.

The World Kidney Day theme for the year 2023 is “Kidney Health for All – Preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable”. The 2023 campaign focuses on raising awareness about disastrous events, natural or manmade, international or local, and their impact on people living with kidney disease.

The World Kidney Day is a global campaign initiated by the International society of nephrology (ISN) to raise awareness about the importance of our kidneys in overall health. It is observed during the second Thursday of March annually since its inception in the year 2006.

The general population is made aware of the preventive behaviors, the risk factors, and also on how to live with a kidney disease once diagnosed through various campaigns planned worldwide.

Dr Ranjith Menon, Consultant Nephrologist and Internal Medicine at Middle East Hospital, told The Daily Tribune that the most common causes of kidney disease in the Kingdom are renal calculus disease or kidney stones, abuse of over-the-counter painkiller medications or analgesics, and obesity.

“It is important to note that kidney diseases if not detected early can result in kidney failure and if untreated commonly can lead to heart attacks,” Dr. Ranjit said.

“Around 8 and 10 percent of the adult population have some form of kidney disease, and every year millions die prematurely due to complications arising from Kidney Diseases.

“Most patients do not have symptoms of kidney disease very early, some manifest with symptoms only when 90 percent of their kidney function is damaged. Hence early detection of kidney disease is important.

“Some symptoms of kidney disease include swollen ankles, fatigue or tiredness, poor concentration, reduced appetite, blood in the urine and foamy urine.”

Dr Ranjit explained some ways of preventing kidney disease that include regular health checkups, good control of diabetes and hypertension, adopting healthy lifestyle which includes a balanced diet, avoiding fast food and carbonated drinks, doing daily regular exercise, reduce smoking and maintaining ideal body weight, avoid overuse of analgesics “It is estimated that around 60 to 70 per cent of human body weight is composed of water.

Our kidneys play the most important role in water balance in the body, it is important that we drink adequate amounts of water daily for kidney health,” he said. “Higher amounts may be needed for those who are exposed to very warm climates like we encounter commonly in Bahrain.”

Speaking to The Daily Tribune, Dr. Teerath Kumar, Consultant Nephrologist and Internal Medicine at Bahrain Specialist Hospital, said: “Predominant etiology of chronic kidney disease in Bahrain are diabetes mellitus and hypertension and chronic glomerulonephritis. Along with Smoking, Obesity, and a Family history of kidney disease.”

Since Ramadan is approaching, he warned that prolonged fasting may be harmful to CKD patients. Individuals with stable moderate to severe CKD (stages 3-5) may be discouraged from fasting, whereas those with mild to moderate CKD (stages 1-3) may be allowed to do so with appropriate monitoring and counseling.

“If their transplant team closely monitors them, patients with stable renal transplants may also be permitted to fast. Individuals on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis shouldn’t be urged to fast, but if they do, they need close weekly observation.”

“To prevent kidney stones, you should hydrate yourself well and drink 2-3 liters per day of water if you don’t have underlying heart failure or advanced kidney disease. Limit Salt and meat intake.”

He urged everyone to keep up an appropriate level of physical activity and weight. Limit your salt intake, stay away from processed foods, monitor and manage your blood sugar, and keep an eye on your blood pressure. Drink enough water, and avoid smoking, which lowers kidney function by slowing blood flow to the kidneys.