CT image of kidneys – illustrative photo.
Prague – Kidneys can stop working by 90 percent without the patient having any symptoms. Later, swelling of the eyelids or ankles, fatigue, but also digestive problems or problems with urination may appear. Prevention is, according to the State Health Institute (SZÚ), plenty of fluids, exercise and less salt. Its experts made the announcement in a press release on today's World Kidney Day.
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“Up to 10 percent of the population is being treated for chronic kidney disease. 40 percent of patients do not know about their kidney disease until they visit a doctor with acute problems,” said the SZÚ. In addition to swelling, fatigue, reduced performance or impaired concentration, symptoms of chronic kidney disease also include loss of appetite or other digestive problems or sweating. Problems with urination are also often manifested, either reduced urine production, up to the cessation of sweating or, on the contrary, increased urination or a more frequent need at night.
People should undergo a urine test every two years during a preventive check-up with a general practitioner. According to data from the Vášečného zdravotní pojišťovna (VZP), whose insured accounts for 60 percent of the Czech population, 580,000 people over the age of 50 underwent a kidney laboratory examination last year. People with kidney failure have to undergo machine blood purification several times a week, which replaces their activity, so-called dialysis. About 5,900 clients were covered by VZP last year, paying over 3.5 billion crowns for it. The treatment of one cost an average of 600,000 crowns per year.
Last year, 520 patients underwent a kidney transplant, which allows patients to return to normal life, which is the most since the first operation in 1966. The costs of VZP for one transplant were 569,000 crowns , but the patient usually does not need to go on dialysis.
According to SZÚ experts, the prevention of kidney disease is sufficient fluid intake. 1.5 to two liters are optimal, or more depending on climatic conditions, physical activity or acute febrile illness. According to the SZÚ, tap water, unsweetened mineral water, which needs to be varied, fruit juices or juices diluted with water at least in a 1:1 ratio, fruit teas or unflavored milk are suitable.
It has an effect on kidney health also salting. The total amount received should not exceed five grams per day, the majority of which are already ready-made foods. “We salt food with a maximum of one gram of table salt per day, which is about the amount corresponding to the tip of a teaspoon,” said the SZÚ.
People should also limit their sugar intake for the health of their kidneys and other organs. The World Health Organization's recommendation is less than 24 grams of simple sugars per day, which is the equivalent of six sugar cubes. However, just like salt, it is also contained in ready-made foods or fruit. As regular physical activity, experts recommend at least 30 minutes of brisk walking every day for adults or 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, and children over six years of age an hour of active movement a day.
