A major problem for public health has evolved in recent decades, chronic renal disease (CKD), which affects about 850 million people worldwide.

It is a silent disease that usually has no symptoms but its impact, according to reliable studies, is constantly increasing worldwide, making it one of the main causes of population death.

So while in 1990 kidney disease was the 36th leading cause of death worldwide, in 2013 it was in 19th place and in 2017 in 12th place. It is estimated that in 2040 the CKD will be the 5th main cause of death worldwide. Specifically for Greece, it is estimated that more than one million citizens suffer from chronic renal disease of one stage while more than 12,000 patients are in the final stage of the disease (dialysis, peritoneal clearance, transplantation). As early as 2013, Greece (along with Singapore and Israel) is included in countries where chronic kidney disease is among the 10 most common causes of population death.

The above was stated during a press conference on the occasion of World Kidney Day (second Thursday of March) by the President of the Hellenic Nephrology Society, Professor of Nephrology DUTH, Stylianos Panagoutsos and the Chairman of the International Committee for the World Nephrofolis.

The reasons for increasing the frequency of the disease

The reasons for increasing the incidence of chronic kidney disease appear to be the increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, obesity and life expectancy of the population. Risk factors are included:

* Acute kidney damage

* Kidney disease associated with pregnancy

* Autoimmune diseases (such as systemic erythematosus wolf or vasculitis)

* Low birth weight or prematureness

* Blockage in the urinary tract

* Frequent episodes of kidney stones (kidney stones)

* Perinatal abnormalities affecting the kidneys or urinary tract

* In low -income countries, kidney disease is often associated with thermal stress to farmers, with the benefit of the benefit, to exposure to environmental toxins, medicines and infections such as hepatitis B, C, HIV or parasites.

Locate in a timely manner and protect kidney health

The two teachers pointed out that the state should integrate into the prevention program and kidney disease tests to identify patients at an early stage. At the same time, they said that if it is not identified and not treated promptly, the CKD can proceed with kidney failure, leading to serious complications and premature mortality. Populations at high risk for rhythmic disease should undergo targeted tests. Simple, non -invasive and cost -effective exams for high -risk populations include:

* Blood pressure measurements to control hypertension.

* The body mass index (BMI), which is an assessment of body fat based on the patient’s height and weight.

* Urine examination: Albumin (or albumin) in urine (albumia) helps to assess kidney damage. The ratio of albumin to urine creatinine (UACR) is preferable.

* Blood tests: glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting glucose or glucose in random measurement for type 2 diabetes and serum creatinine (more accurate if combined with cystatin C) is used to assess the rate of glomerular filtration and evaluating renal function.

Policy for timely detection

Early detection policies for people at risk of developing CKDs should be implemented worldwide with the aim of reducing the cost of healthcare associated with renal failure and improving the quality of their life.

* Clinical doctors in primary care as well as front -line workers in the health sector should be trained to integrate controls for the possibility of a CKD in the daily practice of high -risk populations, even when time and resources are limited.

* Controls for the possibility of CKDs should be incorporated into existing health practices (such as checks during pregnancy and maternity, HIV, tuberculosis and other non -contagious diseases) with the aim of reducing costs and enhancing effectiveness.

* Checks can also be carried out outside medical structures, such as e.g. in Town Hall or Churches, depending on local regulations and resources available.

* Efforts should also focus on raising the general population, enhancing health services and the implementation of educational programs that strengthen patients.

8 Golden rules to maintain your kidney health

To maintain kidney health should:

To exercise and be in good physical condition

To follow a healthy diet

To control and adjust your blood sugar

Control and adjust your blood pressure

To be sufficiently hydrated

Not to smoke

Do not regularly take non -steroidal anti -inflammatory drugs without the approval of a doctor

Check your kidney function especially if you have one or more risk factors for chronic kidney disease