 |
|
Wednesday - Dr. Remedios Uriarte of NKTI said 1.1 million out of 4.7
million school children have abnormal urine findings based on the survey
conducted by the Department of Health and NKTI. “Kidney diseases are not limited to the older generation,
a high number of renal problems are
seen in school children”, Uriarte revealed. She said NKTI in coordination with the Philippine
Information Agency is conducting a nationwide seminar-workshop for
advocates on the prevention of kidney disease to control if not to stop
the increasing number of kidney related diseases. The seminar workshop for Uriarte said the seminar focused on the signs and symptoms
of kidney diseases and the treatment and prevention of such disease. She
also explained that infection is the common kidney disorder for people
aged 50 years old and above. Most common of this type is the bladder
infection with early symptoms of urgent and frequent urination. “Prolonged high blood pressure can also cause a
degeneration of the small artery in the kidneys and impair renal
efficiency. This can be the start of a vicious cycle since damaged
kidneys may worsen hypertension, which in turn damages the kidneys”
Uriarte said. Inadequate supply of water and other liquids in the body,
excessive intake of protein and calcium rich foods, exposure to
chemicals, prolonged use of certain drugs, and ignoring the urge to
urinate can cause kidney disease, she added. Kidney diseases are fatal if left untreated. It pays to
know the warning signs if one is suspected
to be afflicted of the diseases: puffiness around the eyes (especially
in children), gradual swelling of parts of the body (usually the
ankles), and low back pain are some of the symptoms of kidney diseases. The increased frequency of urination or changes in its pattern,
unusual sensation while urinating, bloody or tea colored urine, anemia
and high blood pressure are also included in the warning signs. “Any of these signs calls for the individual to have an
immediate medical check-up to determine the severity of the disease and
the corresponding treatment”, Uriarte advised. However, she also explained that some kidney disorders can
be cured at its early stage. Other treatments can relieve pain, retard
the disease and prolong life. Some of the treatments for kidney disorders include:
regular intake of salt, water and protein when the kidneys cannot do the
job; use of diuretics or drugs to increase urine flow; use of
antibiotics to prevent or limit damage to kidneys caused by bacteria;
use of steroids to relieve symptoms in many cases of nephrosis; and
surgery to remove obstructions and correct birth defects, Uriarte
enumerated. – FNMartin, PIA-CAR |
