PGIMER. Chandigarh- World Kidney Day is observed annually on the second Thursday of March to emphasize the importance of kidney health. This year’s theme, ‘*Are Your Kidneys OK?’, *focuses on creating awareness among the general public. Given the alarming rise in kidney disease cases, this theme is highly relevant.
Experts predict that within the coming years, kidney disease will become the fifth leading cause of death worldwide.
Kidney diseases often remain undetected in their early stages due to a lack of noticeable symptoms. The two most common risk factors are diabetes mellitus and hypertension, both of which are on the rise in India. A proportionate increase in kidney disease is highly expected in the near future in our country.
On the occasion of world kidney day, th*e Director of PGIMER, Prof. Dr. Vivek Lal*, released an informative pamphlet prepared by the Department of Nephrology, PGIMER, Chandigarh. This initiative aims to educate the public about kidney diseases.
The pamphlet highlights red flag symptoms, risk factors, essential diagnostic tests, and preventive measures that individuals can adopt to safeguard their kidney health.
Prof. Dr. Vivek Lal emphasized the critical role of prevention in kidney disease, advocating for healthy lifestyle changes to combat conditions like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, which are the major contributors to kidney disease. Reduction in these risk factors will substantially reduce the occurrence of kidney disease.
Prof. Dr. H.S. Kohli, Head of the Department of Nephrology, spoke about the urgent need for greater public awareness regarding the magnitude of the kidney disease problem. While kidney disease is gradually being recognized as a significant public health issue, he stressed that it still does not receive the same level of awareness as other diseases like heart disease.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is irreversible and tends to worsen over time. It is likened to driving a vehicle without a reverse gear—once kidney function declines; it can only be slowed down, not reversed. Factors such as uncontrolled blood pressure, poorly managed diabetes, and excessive use of painkillers cause rapid kidney function deterioration akin to accelerator of a vehicle. Early detection of kidney disease can facilitate initiation appropriate treatment to slow down this otherwise progressive silent killer.
Myths and misinformation about kidney health also contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Advanced kidney disease requires treatments such as dialysis and kidney transplantation are not only expensive but also limited due to a shortage of donors.
Prevention, therefore, is not only crucial for better health but also for enormous cost saving to individuals as well as a fortune for nation as a whole.
In alignment with this year’s theme, the Department of Nephrology at PGIMER is committed to spreading awareness and educating the public about kidney disease prevention through this initiative.On this World Kidney Day, let us pledge to prioritize kidney health by making conscious lifestyle changes, undergoing regular check-ups, and spreading awareness. A healthy kidney means a healthier life!