March is National Kidney Month, focusing on raising awareness about kidney disease and the importance of living donor transplants. Dr. Garav Raj Shekhar, known as Doctor Raj, discussed the significant risk factors for kidney disease, such as diabetes, hypertension, lupus, and prolonged use of certain medications like NSAIDs. With diabetes being the number one risk factor, it’s crucial for individuals with chronic conditions to monitor their kidney health and seek early treatment from nephrologists.
Kidney disease often presents no noticeable symptoms until kidney function drops below 20%. Common signs include swelling in the legs, increased sleepiness, confusion, and nausea. It is important to identify kidney issues through lab tests before these severe symptoms occur. Dr. Raj emphasized that living kidney transplants are the most effective treatment for advanced kidney disease, as they can be done immediately when a donor is available, preventing the need for dialysis.
Living kidney donors, such as family members or altruistic individuals, can donate a kidney in a controlled environment. Once transplanted, the kidney immediately starts functioning, which is a positive sign. The wait for a deceased donor kidney transplant can take 3 to 5 years, making living donor transplants critical for timely treatment. Donors undergo a thorough health screening, and after donation, they typically recover quickly without significant risks.
