World Kidney Day 2024: All you need to know about chronic kidney disease

World Kidney Day is being observed on March 14 this year. The global health awareness campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of our kidneys and the vital role they play in maintaining our overall health and well-being.

It also seeks to educate people about kidney diseases, their risk factors, and how to prevent them.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a term used to describe irreversible damage to the kidneys that is usually progressive, is becoming more prevalent across the globe. As per research, estimates suggest that by 2040, CKD will be the fifth most common cause of years lost from life. The financial cost of CKD is high and frequently leads to substantial, ongoing medical expenses.

“Kidney disease often develops silently. Many patients are unaware of their kidney disease until it reaches an advanced stage. By the time signs and symptoms such as high blood pressure or leg swelling occur, the disease may have progressed considerably.

The goal of treatment when CKD is diagnosed at an earlier stage is to preserve and maintain remaining kidney health thereby, slowing the progression to end-stage kidney disease – the stage when kidney replacement therapies are required to sustain life.

Therefore, screening and preventative care play vital roles in nephrology,” shares Dr. Pallavi Patri, consultant, and chief of nephrology at Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur. On World Kidney Day, Patri sheds light on different aspects of chronic kidney disease, from treatment options to lifestyle factors, to help us further our understanding.