May 17, 2022 | Healthy Tips
Today, the number of the people living with hypertension has doubled to 1.28 billion, says World health Organisation (WHO), and nearly half of these people did not know they had it (More than 700 million people with untreated hypertension).
As an organisation working within the NCDs space, we know some of the effects of hypertension on our people! That hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart, brain, and kidney diseases that has caused many sudden death and disease among our people.
That, about 25-30% of medical emergencies at our medical centres got to do with issues related to high blood pressure and other Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs). That hypertension does not show signs or symptoms, but it can be detected through checking of ones’ blood pressure either at home or in a health centre. That hypertension can often be treated effectively with medications that are low cost (but not often affordable).
From our field experience and conversations with our community people, we saw the prevalence of hypertension to be so high. We are asking our policymakers, international organisations such World Health organisation (WHO), International Hypertension Federation and community influencers to arise and help with a framework that can help in reducing the risk and burden that come with this ailment among our people.
We ask that they make our primary health centres a working one (be equipped to meet up the need of the people as the first point of contact) where our people can have access to the best treatment and possible medical referrals in case.
The cost of hypertension treatment per person in Nigeria is on the high side. It has led majority of our people to source for alternative means or abandoning treatments due to the high cost of treatment and medications with little family income (that is to tell us that there is poverty in the land). For people to access medical treatments and medications in a month, it cost; them over #5000 (in a population where the majority survive on less than a few hundred Naira per day).
We are asking, let there be an increase in awareness, screening, treatment, and control of hypertension among our people. They must be encouraged to visit our Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) with the assurance of having access to best of medical treatment.
Let there be considerations to the cost of procuring high blood pressure medications. If they can do it with HIV/AIDS and TB something like that can be done with hypertension treatment and other NCDs.
We must know that hypertension and other NCDs worsen our people’s poverty levels since it would not allow them to make a viable contribution to national income that can lead to growth and development.
We at the Rays Of Hope Support Initiative -ROHSI are saying; we can stop the surge of hypertension among our people if we all do our part.
We care for the health and wellbeing of our people. That is why we are #ROHSI3.
Mar 17, 2022 | Healthy Tips
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is known as a ‘silent killer’ as most people live with the disease for years before they have any symptoms. By the time the disease is detected, for many people it’s already too late. Hypertension and diabetes are the most common causes of CKD. Other much fewer common conditions that can cause CKD include inflammation, infections, genetics, or longstanding blockage to the urinary system (such as enlarged prostate or kidney stones
In an advanced stage, CKD can only be treated with regular dialysis or through a kidney transplant making it very expensive to manage. Early detection and prevention are essential. However, it can usually be prevented by controlling key risk factors but, most countries have no strategy for chronic kidney disease.
Left untreated, CKD progresses from Stage 1 through to Stage 5. Stage 5 is also known as End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), which means regular dialysis treatment, or a kidney transplant is needed to survive.
Fast Facts about Chronic Kidney Disease
- Early chronic kidney disease has no signs or symptoms – many people living with CKD don’t even know it until the disease is in an advanced stage.
- About 10% of the adult population is living with some degree of CKD, and every year millions die prematurely from CKD and related complications.
- CKD is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which are the primary cause of death for all people living with CKD.
- If CKD is detected early and managed appropriately, the deterioration in kidney function can be slowed or even stopped, and the risk of associated cardiovascular complications can be reduced.
- CKD is largely preventable and can be detected early with simple blood and urine tests.
Symptoms and complications of CKD may include:
- High blood pressure
- Anaemia (low blood count)
- Weak bones
- Poor nutritional health
- Nerve damage
- Swollen ankles
- Fatigue
Another consequence of CKD is that it increases the risk of early death from associated cardiovascular disease (i.e., heart attacks and strokes). People living with CKD therefore have an increased risk of dying prematurely from cardiovascular disease, regardless of whether they ever develop kidney failure.
How can we prevent chronic kidney disease?
There are several ways to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease.
- Be active
- Eat a healthy diet
- Reduce your salt intake
- Don’t smoke
- Check and control your blood sugar and blood pressure as part of your regular check-ups
- Get your kidney function checked if you have one or more of the ‘high risk’ factors: diabetes, hypertension, obesity, a family history of CKD.
Blood and urine tests can easily detect CKD and simple, low-cost treatments can slow the progression of the disease, reduce the risk of associated heart attacks and strokes, and improve quality of life.
The early detection of failing kidney function can be lifesaving because it allows CKD to be treated through medications, diet, and lifestyle changes rather than dialysis or a kidney transplant, which are economically inaccessible for most people around the world. These treatments are known as renal replacement therapies (RRT) because they attempt to “replace” the normal functioning of the kidneys.
When you have kidney failure, wastes and fluids accumulate in your body and you need regular dialysis treatments for life to remove these wastes and excess fluid from your blood. For patients who can access it, a kidney transplant combined with medications and a healthy diet can restore normal kidney function.
Note this! About 1.3 million people die from kidney disease each year, with an additional 1.4 million deaths from cardiovascular disease that are attributed to impaired kidney function.
CKD is increasing in prevalence – and at an alarming rate. CKD deaths increased by 41.5% from 1990 to 2020, rising from the 17th leading cause of death to the 10th. Now, it is expected that CKD will climb to the fifth leading cause of death globally by the year 2040.
This is primarily due to changes in the way we eat, drink and move – as the junk food industry reaches virtually all corners of the world with its health-harming products and aggressive marketing techniques, diabetes and hypertension – the key risk factors for CKD – are skyrocketing. Most of this increase is occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and among more marginalised communities in all countries.
CKD can occur at any age but becomes more common with increasing age and is more common in women. Although about half of people aged 75 or more have some degree of impaired kidney function, many of these people do not actually have diseases of their kidneys; they have normal ageing of their kidneys.
The cost of treating CKD represents an enormous burden on healthcare systems worldwide. In developed countries, kidney failure is a major cost driver for patients, their families and governments. For instance:
- According to a recent report published by NHS Kidney Care, in England, CKD costs more than breast, lung, colon and skin cancer combined.
- In the US, treatment of CKD is likely to exceed USD 48 billion per year, and the Stage 5 program consumes 6.7% of the total Medicare budget to care for less than 1% of the covered population.
In middle-income countries such as Nigeria, access to life-saving therapies has progressively increased, yet renal replacement therapy (dialysis or transplant) remains unaffordable for the vast majority of patients. Developing countries cannot afford dialysis or transplants at all—resulting in the deaths of over 1 million people annually from untreated kidney failure.
It is clear that we are not all equal with regard to kidney disease and access to treatment.
Courtesy: Rays of Hope support Initiative, NCD Alliance, National Kidney Foundation Et al
Feb 27, 2022 | Healthy Tips
AMBIEN ADDICTION AND TREATMENT
What is Ambien
Ambien is one of the brand names for zolpidem, along with Edluar, Zolpimist, and Intermezzo. It is a prescription drug used to temporarily treat insomnia and is one of the top-selling insomnia drugs in the United States. Ambien is available in two forms: Ambien, a quick-release tablet that helps initiate sleep, and Ambien CR, an extended-release form that also helps maintain sleep.
Ambien was developed to help treat insomnia short-term, with the same efficacy as benzodiazepines but as a seemingly less addictive alternative. However, Ambien’s addictiveness comes not from a physical dependency to the drug, but from the sudden dependency on the drug to sleep. From just some short-term abuse, user can find themselves with a real inability to fall asleep without higher and higher doses.
Street names for Ambien include:
- No-gos
- Zombie pills
- Sleepeasy
- Tic-Tacs
- A-minus
- Z-drug
How Does Ambien Affect the Brain?
Working as a sedative-hypnotic, Ambien activates the neurotransmitter, GABA. GABA slows down brain and central nervous system activity, and results in a strong sedative effect. This helps put insomnia sufferers to sleep quickly and effectively.
Is Ambien Addictive
Although created to have the same medical effect as benzodiazepines, and reportedly without the same addictive properties, users are still at risk of developing an addiction.
If taken exactly as prescribed, for a very brief period, Ambien is relatively safe. However, with long-term use, there is a potential for abuse and addiction. Once the user takes Ambien for longer than prescribed by their physician, they will need higher doses to feel the same effects. Eventually, they will be unable to sleep without using Ambien.
Ambien dependence can form in as little as two weeks. Because it is a prescription drug, there is a misconception that Ambien is safe. However, it is becoming clearer that Ambien is just as addictive as benzodiazepines. As with many other types of sleeping pills, Ambien can be very addictive.
Signs of Ambien Addiction
It can be hard to tell if a person is abusing Ambien, especially if they have a legitimate prescription from their doctor.
Here are some warning signs of Ambien addiction to look out for:
- Taking Ambien in a way other than prescribed, such as crushing and snorting pills
- Taking Ambien that was prescribed to someone else
- Repeatedly taking larger and more frequent doses than prescribed
- Appearing overly sleepy or tired during the day
- Frequently requesting refills on the prescription or finding a new doctor to get a new prescription
- Lying about Ambien use
- Noticeable changes in behaviour like isolating oneself from family and friends
- Spending large amounts of money on Ambien, or unexplained spending
- Experiencing cravings for Ambien
- Engaging in dangerous situations without any memory of them later
- Taking the drug in conjunction with other mind-altering substances
Taking Ambien without a prescription or in any way that is not directed by a doctor is considered abuse. Even taking a slightly higher dose than recommended, to help with sleep, is abuse. Once someone builds up a tolerance to Ambien, they need higher doses to fall asleep. This strengthens their dependence on the drug and causes individuals to up their doses without any medical guidance.
Side-Effects of Ambien Addiction
Ambien is supposed to be taken right before bed, but people abusing this sleeping pill will take it at any time of day. When not used as a sleep aid, Ambien produces calming effects and feelings of euphoria.
As a potent central nervous system depressant, Ambien, in large doses, can slow a user’s breathing and heart rate to a point where respiratory failure occurs. This could result in a fatal overdose. An unusually slow heartbeat or breathing is a strong indication that the user is in trouble.
One SAMHSA study showed that in 2010 alone, there were 20, 793 visits to the emergency department of hospitals throughout America due to Ambien overdose.
Some additional side-effects of Ambien include:
- Dizziness
- Daytime drowsiness
- Memory loss
- Mood and behavioural changes
- Rare allergic reactions
- Trouble breathing
If your doctor has prescribed Ambien, it is because they have judged that the benefit is greater than the risk of side-effects. Many people using Ambien do not experience any serious side-effects. Unpleasant and dangerous side-effects of Ambien use are usually only seen in cases of abuse or addiction.
Ambien and Alcohol
There are many prescriptions and illicit drugs that have adverse reactions when taken with Ambien. However, alcohol is the substance most commonly abused alongside Ambien. People who consume alcohol and Ambien together are more likely to end up in intensive care.
When mixed together, alcohol and Ambien can enhance each other’s intoxicating effects to result in the following:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Impaired cognition
- Loss of physical coordination
- Impaired judgment
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
- Sleepwalking
- Depressed breathing
- Sleep apnea
Combining Ambien and alcohol can also have more dangerous effects as a result of reckless behaviour, and the loss of coordination that results from this combination. Users are more likely to be involved in accidents or hurt themselves losing consciousness.
Ambien Addiction Treatment
In order to recover from Ambien addiction, the user needs to fight physical and psychological dependence. The first step in any treatment for recovery from addiction is medical detox. This is then followed by a range of therapy types, often to treat any co-occurring mental health disorders and to ensure a minimized risk of relapse.
To stand the greatest chances of success in recovery, the user should receive treatment as an inpatient at a registered rehab centre. The centre will provide the support and environment the patient needs to undergo detox safely and receive the therapy they require to make a full recovery.
Detox from Ambien
To begin Ambien addiction treatment, the patient will need to undergo a medically assisted detox. This usually involves tapering down dosage of the drug until it is stopped entirely. Ambien detox should only be done in an inpatient rehab facility, to prevent the risk of relapse caused by uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Ambien Withdrawal
Ambien withdrawal can cause unpleasant symptoms as the brain tries to function normally once again. As with any drug abuse, the withdrawal effects are usually opposite to its effects when used.
Symptoms of Ambien withdrawal begin within 48 hours of the last dose and includes:
- Fatigue
- Nervousness
- Panic
- Uncontrollable crying
- Flushing of the skin
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Seizures (rare)
- Delirium
- Irritability
- Sweating
Stopping Ambien abruptly will lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms. This is why inpatient medical detox is recommended, to ensure that the user is weaned off Ambien in a measured and safe way.
Ambien Withdrawal Timeline
Withdrawal symptoms usually lessen or disappear within 1-2 weeks. The most acute withdrawal symptoms kick in within the first 3-5 days, while the psychological withdrawal symptoms last up to two weeks. In rare cases, symptoms can occur months after stopping Ambien use.
Ambien withdrawal symptoms vary for each individual due to several factors and includes:
- The length of Ambien abuse
- The dosage
- Whether or not the Ambien was the extended-release version
- If the individual took other drugs in addition to Ambien
Medication for Ambien Withdrawal Symptoms
A doctor may prescribe psychiatric treatments for depression or anxiety related to Ambien withdrawal, but there are also a few drugs that treat symptoms caused as a direct result of Ambien withdrawal. In some cases, anti-seizure medication is given to reduce the risk of seizures.
Those experiencing severe anxiety or suicidal thoughts are likely to receive short-term prescriptions for mood-stabilizing medications.
Therapies Used in Ambien Addiction Treatment
After completing detox, therapeutic treatment will commence. The right treatment centre will create a tailored plan for the patient’s individual needs. Talk therapy will be provided, as well as group, and even family therapy.
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): A common type of individual psychotherapy that helps patients recognize, avoid, and cope with the situations in which they are likely to use drugs.
- Dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT): Another type of one-on-one psychotherapy that helps individuals learn new skills and strategies for coping with life outside of addiction. The goal of this therapy is to create positive and impactful change.
- Family therapy: Used to help families support the recovery of the patient, as well as to help heal the damage caused by addiction within the family unit.
- Group therapy: Programs such as Narcotics Anonymous are used to provide ongoing support for the patient, in a supportive environment. Group therapy sessions will usually be ongoing, in order to prevent relapse and to foster a sense of community with likeminded people.
Recovery from Ambien Addiction
Inpatient rehab at a specialized treatment centre will ensure the patient has the biggest chance of success. Rehab will be cantered on a strict routine, including therapy and other types of treatment.
It is crucial that the right treatment centre, offering a personalized treatment plan, is provided to the addict. One where the individual’s unique needs are addressed, and the nuances of their addiction are taken into account.
Dec 20, 2021 | News
HE ALMOST DIED FROM HYPERTENSION; NOW HE HELPS OTHERS LIVE FREE OF THE DISEASE
Benjamin Olorunfemi had strong headaches and felt body weakness amid racing heartbeats. When self-medication did not help, his wife persuaded him to see a doctor. What followed was slightly scary.
“I went as advised, and the doctor that attended to me raised an eyebrow about my blood pressure numbers [198/125 mmHg, way above the healthy average of 120/80 mmHg),” 49-year-old Olorunfemi said.
His condition was hypertension stage 3, the doctor explained further. The doctor prescribed some drugs for Olorunfemi, which he took and, fortunately, became better.
But during his recovery process, Olorunfemi wanted to know more about hypertension and how to control it, so he started reading online articles on the subject. This led him to discover that millions of Nigerians live with hypertension and other non-communicable diseases without knowing it.
His finding was consistent with a World Health Organisation report that says “most people with hypertension are unaware of the problem because it may have no warning signs or symptoms.”
Available data further confirms that at least 31% of Nigerians (66 million) are suffering from hypertension. And most of the 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 who live with the disease globally are from low and middle-income countries like Nigeria.
Olorunfemi takes action to help others
Inspired by his discovery, in 2017, Olorunfemi started a nonprofit organisation, Rays of Hope Support Initiative or ROHSI, to create awareness about hypertension and diabetes (another deadly disease affecting 5.77% of Nigerians) among rural residents of Oyo State in Southwest Nigeria, where he lives.
Olorunfemi started with a post on Facebook explaining what he planned to do and asking for volunteers. He got several responses, including from a pharmacist and three medical doctors who are now part of his volunteer pool of 19.
Operating from Plot 5. Block C, Oke Bola(CICS) Layout,Ondo Road, Otun Abese in Ibadan, Oyo State, ROHSI also provides free screening, medical advice, and free medications to patients with hypertension and diabetes via biannual community outreaches.
Once every six months, the group holds a health outreach in a rural community in either Oyo or Lagos State. The outreach is done in consultation and collaboration with community leaders, targeting young adults and the elderly.
Months before the outreach, the group runs physical and social media fundraising campaigns to raise money to buy drugs and handle other logistics during the one-day campaign.
On the day of the outreach, people come to a designated location. Medical experts in ROHSI’s team brief the attendees about hypertension and diabetes mellitus, the risk factors, dangers, symptoms, preventive measures., and what to do if they have symptoms of the diseases.
After that, each participant can proceed to see a doctor for testing. Those with positive results are directed to see another doctor who counsels them privately and sends a list of prescribed drugs to the pharmacist, who hands the medications to the patient for free.
“We test for their blood pressure, blood sugar level, as well as their weight. We offer medical education and treat them where necessary,” said Charles Fajonyomi, a volunteer medical doctor with the organisation.
“Our mandate is to reach out and impact the lives of Nigerians in our rural communities who are not aware of the life-threatening effects of hypertension and diabetes and the preventive methods,” adds Olorunfemi, who studied Banking and Finance but works as a security expert for a private security firm in Oyo.
Olorunfemi said the organisation had its first outreach in August 2017 at Irewumi community in Oyo State. Since then, it has reached about 10,000 people with information about hypertension and diabetes mellitus, including nearly 3000 people (across six communities in Lagos and Oyo states) it has screened and provided with health advice and free medications.
“At first, we thought it was a joke, but they treated us free of charge when they came to our community,” said 50-year-old Imam Ibraheem’, who benefitted during that first outreach in Irewumi.
For 59-year-old Taiwo Odukoya, a November 2019 beneficiary from Otun Abese community in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, “They checked my blood pressure, and it was high. They also told me my sugar level was high. “[Then] I was given drugs, and they followed up on me from time to time to be sure I was sticking to my medication and recovering well.”
As a means of follow-up on its beneficiaries, the organisation created a WhatsApp group where beneficiaries can always ask questions about their health and get advice from its volunteer doctors in the group. The group now has 256 members.
“We ask questions and talk to doctors [on the group] when we need to,” said Ibraheem’.
Fajonyomi, the doctor, said ROHSI is trying to change rural dwellers’ attitudes toward their health. And that is because “people’s attitude to their health is poor in our part of the world. Once people are not very sick, they don’t care about going for medical check-ups.”
According to Olorunfemi, the nonprofit conducts just two outreaches per year because, for now, its funding and funding sources are limited, mostly from family, friends, and colleagues and whatever they get from their social media calls for support per outreach.
He said none of the group’s regular calls for support from pharmaceutical companies, local authorities and donor organisations had yielded any significant fruits.
“Getting support isn’t always easy. Most times, we write to pharmaceutical companies seeking drugs, but that support never comes, and we have to purchase the drugs ourselves,” he said.
He said in the future, ROHSI hopes to build a medical centre in Oyo State, where people could have access to healthcare when they need it for free.
“Our primary healthcare system is not there yet, and it is supposed to be the first point of call for the majority of these preventable ailments in our communities, but that’s not the case. Also, the cost of accessing treatment and medication is so high that it discourages a lot of people from visiting health facilities when they have symptoms of these ailments,” Olorunfemi said.
First Published By Prime Progress https://primeprogressng.com/posts/he-almost-died-from-hypertension-now-he-helps-others-live-free-of-the-disease-55
Nov 1, 2021 | Healthy Tips
Kidneys! Yes, Your kidneys?
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs on either side of our spine, below our ribs and behind our belly. Each kidney is about 4 or 5 inches long, roughly the size of a large fist. The kidneys’ job is to filter our blood. They remove wastes, control the body’s fluid balance, and keep the right levels of electrolytes. All of the blood in our body passes through them about 40 times a day.
Each of our kidneys has around a million tiny filters called nephrons. You could have only 10% of your kidneys working, and not likely notice any symptoms or problems. If blood stops flowing into a kidney, part, or all of it could die. That can lead to kidney failure.
The incidence of CKD (chronic kidney disease) in Nigeria has been shown by various studies to range between 1.6 and 12.4%. Statistics have further shown that 30 million Nigerians are suffering from kidney disease and currently, patients pay as high as N150, 000 for three sessions of dialysis every week and about N5 million annually; costs of transplant vary from hospitals but ranges between N2m. In Nigeria, kidney failure remains a death sentence if not detected early and managed appropriately.
Most people know that the primary function of the kidneys is to eliminate waste products from the body by flushing them out with urine. However, did we all know that there are other fabulous functions our kidneys do like?
Controlling acid-base balance: The acids and bases in the human body are always in a state of delicate equilibrium reflected by a parameter known as ph. To maintain the healthy range, the kidneys excrete acids and bases when there’s an excess of them or retain these compounds when the body is lacking them.
Controlling water balance: The kidneys are one of the body’s main ways to maintain a stable water balance. By regulating the volume of urine, they produce, the kidneys adapt to one’s hydration level. When you drink a lot, the kidneys produce more urine, and the opposite happens when you are dehydrated.
Maintaining electrolyte balance: The kidneys filter some electrolytes from the blood, return part of them into circulation, and excrete excess electrolytes into the urine. The levels of electrolytes like sodium and phosphate are largely dependent on the health of one’s kidneys.
Removing toxins and waste products from the body: The kidneys filter out water-soluble waste products and toxins, flushing them out of the body with urine. That’s precisely why kidney failure quickly leads to severe intoxication, as the body’s waste products build up and impair its functions.
Controlling blood pressure: The kidneys produce an enzyme called renin. Renin converts the angiotensinogen produced in the liver into angiotensin I, which is later converted in the lungs into angiotensin II. Angiotensin II constricts the blood vessels and increases blood pressure as a result. On the other hand, when one’s blood pressure is too high, the kidneys produce more urine to reduce the volume of liquid circulating in the body and somewhat compensate for the high blood pressure.
Producing the hormone erythropoietin: The kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin. The main function of this hormone is to help the body create more red blood cells (erythrocytes), which are essential for the transport of oxygen throughout all the tissues and organs.
Activating vitamin D: The kidneys transform calcifediol into calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D. Calcitriol circulates in the blood and plays a vital role in regulating calcium and phosphate balance in the body, which is essential for healthy bone growth.
What causes chronic kidney disease?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): happens when 85-90% of our kidney gets damaged and becomes functionally impaired. CKD is caused by a variety of conditions that gradually affect the kidney’s functions over a few to several years.
The conditions that cause chronic kidney disease include:
- Diabetes (common cause)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Inflammation of the kidney’s structural units
- Polycystic kidney disease (multiple cysts or fluid-containing sacs in the kidney that occur by birth)
- Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract by conditions, such as
- Pyelonephritis (bacterial infection of the kidney)
- Abusing the Salt-shaker
- Eating Processed Foods
- Not Drinking Enough Water
- Missing Out on Sleep
- Eating Too Much Meat
- Eating Too Many Foods High in Sugar
- Lighting Up (smoking)
- Drinking Alcohol in Excess
- Sitting for long periods
- Painkiller consumption over a long time
What are the signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease?
Patients with CKD stages 1-3 generally do not have symptoms. Typically, signs and symptoms start appearing during the last stages of 4-5 (GFR < 30). These include:
How is chronic kidney disease diagnosed?
The doctor will take your complete medical history along with your family history, such as if anyone in your family has or had diabetes, whether you are on any medications (that can cause kidney damage), and so on. They will perform a thorough physical examination to see if you have any signs or symptoms of CKD.
A few tests will help your doctor confirm the diagnosis of CKD. These are:
Can You Live Without Your Kidneys?
Because our kidneys are so important, one cannot live without them. But it is possible to live a perfectly healthy life with only one working kidney.
Reasons for Having One Kidney
Again, most people are born with two working kidneys. But sometimes, just one kidney works. And some people are born with only one kidney.
The reasons for this may vary and can include:
- Renal agenesis — a condition where someone is born with only one kidney.
- Kidney dysplasia — a condition where someone is born with two kidneys but only one of them works.
- Kidney removal — certain diseases may require you to have one of your kidneys removed.
- Living-donor kidney transplant — you can donate one of your kidneys to a person who needs a kidney transplant.
Importance of water to our Kidneys
Keep your kidneys healthy by being “water-wise.” This means drinking the right amount of water. A common misconception is that everyone should drink eight glasses of water per day, but since everyone is different, daily water needs will vary by person. How much water you need is based on differences in age, climate, exercise intensity, as well as states of pregnancy, breastfeeding, and illness.
About 60-70% of our body weight is made up of water, and every part of our body needs it to function properly. We have said earlier that, water helps the kidneys remove wastes from your blood in the form of urine. Water also helps keep our blood vessels open so that blood can travel freely to our kidneys and deliver essential nutrients to them. But if we become dehydrated, then it is more difficult for this delivery system to work.
Mild dehydration can make one feel tired and can impair normal bodily functions. Severe dehydration can lead to kidney damage, so it is important to drink enough when we work or exercise very hard and especially in warm and humid weather.
Tips to make sure we are drinking enough water and to help keep our kidneys healthy:
Eight is great, but not set in stone. There is no hard and fast rule that everyone needs 8 glasses of water a day. This is just a general recommendation based on the fact that we continually lose water from our bodies, and that we need adequate water intake to survive and optimal amounts to thrive.
Less is more if you have kidney failure (a.k.a. end-stage kidney disease). When the kidneys fail, people don’t excrete enough water, if any at all. For those who are receiving dialysis treatment, water must be greatly restricted.
It’s possible to drink too much water. Though it is not very common for this to happen in the average person, endurance athletes like marathoners may drink large amounts of water and thereby dilute the sodium level in their blood, resulting in a dangerous condition called hyponatremia.
Your urine can reveal a lot. For the average person, “water-wise” means drinking enough water or other healthy fluids, such as unsweetened juice or low-fat milk to quench thirst and to keep your urine light yellow or colourless. When your urine is dark yellow, this indicates that you are dehydrated. You should be making about 1.5 litres of urine daily (about 6 cups).
Water helps prevent kidney stones and UTIs. Kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are two common medical conditions that can hurt the kidneys, and for which good hydration is essential. Kidney stones form less easily when there is sufficient water available to prevent stone-forming crystals from sticking together. Water helps dissolve the antibiotics used to treat urinary tract infections, making them more effective. Drinking enough water also helps produce more urine, which helps to flush out infection-causing bacteria.
Beware of pills and procedures. Drinking extra water with certain medications or before and after procedures with contrast dye may help prevent kidney damage. Read medication labels and ask questions before undergoing medical procedures involving contrast dyes. Always consult with your healthcare provider first though, especially if you are on a fluid restriction.
Can chronic kidney disease be cured?
There is no cure for CKD. However, treatments and an appropriate diet (low-protein, low-salt) can help manage its signs and symptoms. They can help you halt the progression of CKD to a certain extent.
Medications given to treat the complications of CKD can help you make feel better.
Treatments for Kidney Treatments
- Antibiotics: Kidney infections caused by bacteria are treated with antibiotics. Often, cultures of the blood or urine can help guide the choice of antibiotic therapy.
- Nephrostomy: A tube (catheter) is placed through the skin into the kidney. Urine then drains directly from the kidney, bypassing any blockages in urine flow.
- Lithotripsy: Some kidney stones may be shattered into small pieces that can pass in the urine. Most often, lithotripsy is done by a machine that projects ultrasound shock waves through the body.
- Nephrectomy: Surgery to remove a kidney. Nephrectomy is performed for kidney cancer or severe kidney damage.
- Haemodialysis: A person with complete kidney failure is connected to a dialysis machine, which filters the blood and returns it to the body. Haemodialysis is typically done 3 days per week in people with ESRD.
- Peritoneal dialysis: Placing large amounts of a special fluid in the abdomen through a catheter allows the body to filter the blood using the natural membrane lining the abdomen. After a while, the fluid with the waste is drained and discarded.
- Dialysis: Dialysis is a procedure in which a machine placed outside of your body takes the role of a kidney. This procedure needs to be performed at least three times a week.
- Kidney transplant: Transplanting a kidney into a person with ESRD can restore kidney function. A kidney may be transplanted from a living donor, or a recently deceased organ donor.
Courtesy: Rays of Hope Support Initiative. WebMD, Florida Kidney Physicians, National Kidney Foundation, Et’al
