Lessons from World Kidney Day

1 in every 10 Kenyans has a kidney disease. Yes, that’s the shocking report that doesn't stop there, the country also witnesses 10,000 deaths annually as a result of the disease. With nations around the world importing healthcare services, 21% accounts to urinal care in Kenya. This is according to Ms. Mwangela of Social Pillar, indicating that the country lacks an effective framework to effectively manage kidney diseases.

Urologist Peter Mungai at the Kenyatta National Hospital sites laxity in effective kidney awareness as the major cause to increasing kidney complications among Kenyans. Emphasizing that that is the start to preventing the diseases as opposed to treating it, at most times a little too late. The need for constant kidney screening is key in the telltale signs of the disease before having to deal with the horrors of dialysis and kidney transplant. The fact that heart and lung transplants triumph those involving kidneys, does not overwrite the importance of kidneys as vital organs for the full functioning abilities of an individual. Important enough that a day is set aside and globally recognized as World Kidney Day!

 Being a urinary organ means that its integral in waste management thus control of bowel movement especially urine. People with good kidneys do not have trouble laughing and sneezing as their kidney(s) has their back, he he.

Most kidney health complications are associated with dialysis, a treatment that uses a machine that acts as a kidney filtering waste to remove urine. Usually a very expensive treatment plan with patients required to have weekly sessions to keep them going. 

The ultimate solution for any irreparable kidney disease is usually a kidney transplant.  Most medication for the management of kidney disease have complications related to hair thinning, nausea, mood swings, weight gain, diarrhea, acne and other more unique changes as every patient is different. This may have a hand to why many opt not to treat it in the first place.

To many, being put on a transplant list for any organ usually feels like a death sentence, let alone the wait and the agony of wondering whether one will ever make it to the top of the list. This is the reality with Paula Mwangela warning that the country risks seeing a 17% increase in kidney diseases in the next decade if nothing is actively done to keep the disease at bay.

In the age of increasing lifestyle diseases linked to obesity, alcoholism and a docile lifestyle void of exercise, it's no surprise that kidney diseases are becoming more vicious. With diseases like Type 1 Diabetes being linked to kidney complications, it is time we embraced healthier life choices and really be on the lookout for our bodies.

Peter Mungai adds that in an attempt to save Kenyans from kidney diseases, the government needs to put in place policies that favour the fight for the prevention, treatment and cure of the condition. Making kidney screening free is just the tip of the ice berg.

Most of us never bother about our health until we get a scare then rush to our healthcare providers when our health status is off the handle. Today you are told to always check you urine to ensure your kidneys are in good shape. Will we be singing the same song come World Kidney Day 2014?