KARACHI: World Kidney Day was observed today (Thursday) at Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT) with aim to highlight the importance of kidneys to overall health.
On the occasion, SIUT experts disclosed that Pakistan is the eighth largest country with high prevalence of kidney diseases causing 20 thousand deaths annually.
They pointed out that the leading cause of chronic kidney diseases is primarily diabetes, kidney stones diseases, and high blood pressure while other causes are excessive use of pain killers, some herbal medicines, genetic disorders, birth defects, infections, environmental pollution and unhygienic conditions.
The SIUT experts highlighted that the sharp increase in number of kidney diseases is alarming as an estimate of 850 million people is affected with kidney diseases worldwide resulting in 2.4 million deaths annually which is ranked as the sixth fastest-growing cause of death worldwide.
Explaining the cardinal measures for prevention of kidney diseases they advised for low intake of salt and oily foods, staying hydrated, eating more fruits and vegetables, staying physically active, regular checkup with doctors, no consumption of alcohol and tobacco, maintaining ideal weight, controlling sugar levels for diabetic patients, controlling high blood pressure in hypertensive patients and compliance with medications as directed by the physician.
The day-long activities chalked out by SIUT included free clinical testing like blood and urine tests, measurement body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure, etc.
