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World Kidney Day will be observed on 10th March, 2022 to raise awareness about the various kidney ailments how they affect one’s life. It is a campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of our kidneys. World Kidney Day is celebrated every second Thursday in March. The day is observed aiming to increase education about effective symptom management and patient empowerment. 10% of the world’s population is affected by Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and over 2 million people worldwide receive treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant.
World Kidney Day is a joint initiative of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF). World Kidney Day was established in 2006 to raise awareness about the importance of kidneys. The day also highlights the prevalence of kidney diseases and the importance of maintaining optimal kidney health.
Kidney – A Vital Human Organ
Kidneys are one of the vital organs of our body. They are two bean-shaped organs located just below the rib cage on each side of our spine. Each kidney is about the size of our fist. Kidneys along with ureters and urinary bladder form the urinary system. A tough, fibrous renal capsule surrounds each kidney and provides support for the soft tissue inside.
Functions of Kidneys
Kidneys are always at work. Even though their main function is to remove waste products from blood, there are several other vital activities carried by the kidneys. Let’s have a look at some of the activities performed by our kidneys:
- The extra water in our blood is removed by the kidneys and is thrown out of the body in the form of urine.
- The kidneys balances the volume of fluids and minerals in the body.
- They react to hormones that the brain sends them and they even make some of their own hormones. For example, the kidneys produce a hormone that tells the body to make red blood cells.
- They also maintain balanced electrolyte levels and regulate blood pressure.
- The kidneys reabsorb nutrients like amino acid, glucose, phosphate etc. from the blood using tubules and transport them to where they will best support health.
- The kidneys help keep the body’s pH stable by reabsorbing and producing bicarbonate from urine.
- The kidneys release several important compounds like Erythropoietin, Renin and Calcitriol.
Diseases Affecting the Kidneys
A number of diseases can affect the kidneys. It occurs when your kidneys become damaged and can’t perform their function. These can be caused by environmental factors, medical factors and functional and structural problems from birth in some people. Kidney disease can in turn lead to other health problems, including weak bones, nerve damage, and malnutrition.
Some of the most common form of kidney diseases are:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD). It’s commonly caused by high blood pressure and / or diabetes.
- Kidney stones caused when minerals and other substances in the blood crystallize in the kidneys, forming solid masses (stones).
- Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder that causes numerous cysts (small sacs of fluid) to grow in the kidneys.
- Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the glomeruli, which are small structures inside the kidneys that filter the blood.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are bacterial infections of any part of the urinary system. If left untreated, these infections can spread to the kidneys and cause kidney failure.
- Kidney cancer
When the disease gets worse, the kidney stops functioning. In such cases dialysis will be required to perform the function of the kidneys. It is a treatment that filters and purifies the blood using a machine. It can’t cure kidney disease, but it can prolong your life. Kidney disease often has no symptoms until it’s advanced, so it is extremely important to get tested. Early treatment can slow kidney disease down.
World Kidney Day 2022 Theme
Every year, the campaign highlights a particular theme. The World Kidney Day Joint Steering Committee has declared 2022 the year of “Kidney Health for All – bridge the knowledge gap to better kidney care,” with the campaign focusing on bridging knowledge gaps to improve kidney health through increased kidney care education and awareness in the public arena. The day highlights the prevalence of kidney diseases and the importance of maintaining optimal kidney health.
World Kidney Day 2022 Activities
- Individuals and organizations around the world celebrate this day by organizing different activities aimed at raising awareness of kidney disease.
- Organize an awareness activity, like a walk, a run, bike ride etc. in your community.
- One can tweet or share posts highlighting the importance of the day on social media.
- Members of kidney foundations, societies of nephrology and patients’ associations can conduct lectures and seminars to raise awareness of kidney disease.
- To increase awareness and to emphasize World Kidney Day’s message, its Steering Committee wrote a scientific editorial entitled “Kidney Health for All: Bridging the Gap in Kidney Health Education and Literacy.” The article will be published in various journals, including Kidney International.
World Kidney Day 2022 Quiz
What is the theme for World Kidney Day 2022?
Kidney Health for All
When did World Kidney Day start?
2006
What is the main function of kidneys?
To get rid of waste
You can live with one kidney. True or False?
True
How big is our kidney?
About the size of our fist
How much blood does kidneys filter every day?
200 quarts
What are the common causes of kidney diseases?
Diabetes and Blood Pressure
Kidneys are what part of which system in our body?
Urinary system
Urine is made in the kidney. True or False?
True
What medical term refers to the kidney function?
Renal
A person can have chronic kidney disease without being aware of it. True or False?
True
A doctor who specializes in kidney diseases is called a ________________.
Nephrologist
People on dialysis should maintain diets high in ____________________.
Protein
The goal of World Kidney Day is to raise awareness about kidney health and how people can live a long and disease-free life. It also urges to increase screening for chronic kidney disease.
