March 9th marks World Kidney Day, with the aim of increasing prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. This date is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations.
According to the Portuguese Society of Nephrology (SPN), this is a cause that involves all health professionals who have a duty to inform and raise awareness so that everyone can take good care of their kidneys, and prevent the development or progression of the disease. kidney disease, thus minimizing the impact of this problem on public health.
Chronic kidney disease is a common problem worldwide and it is estimated that 1 in 10 adults worldwide may suffer from chronic kidney disease, if left untreated it can be deadly. Although early detection can prevent mortality, this disease continues to increase annually and is estimated to be the 5th leading cause of death by 2040. In Portugal, more than 20 thousand people are in this situation and the numbers have been steadily increasing , warns SPN.
In addition to their excretory function, the kidneys are also responsible for controlling blood pressure, producing the hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells and activating vitamin D, which contributes to bone health. Therefore, they play an essential role in the body's balance, which is why it is important to increase the population's knowledge, allowing for better kidney care.
In a situation of renal failure, it is important to replace the function of the kidneys, which is why the dialysis technique and hemodialysis are applied. This is a situation that takes a heavy toll on the life of the patient and their family.