World Kidney Day 2025
Dr Koushal Kumar Khajuria
World Kidney Day (WKD) is a global awareness campaign held annually on the second Thursday of March to promote kidney health and encourage preventive behaviours. In 2025, World Kidney Day is being observed on March 13, continuing its mission to reduce the burden of kidney disease worldwide. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of early detection, prevention, and equitable access to kidney care.
Understanding Kidney Disease
The kidneys are essential organs responsible for filtering waste, balancing fluids, regulating blood pressure, and producing hormones. When they fail to function properly, toxins accumulate in the body, leading to serious health complications.
Kidney disease is often called a “silent killer” because symptoms may not appear until significant damage has occurred. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects millions of people globally, with many remaining undiagnosed. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CKD is one of the fastest-growing causes of death worldwide.
World Kidney Day 2025 Theme and Objectives
” Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health!”
The 2025 theme focuses on early detection and preventive care, aiming to:
o Raise Awareness: Educate people about kidney disease risk factors and symptoms.
o Encourage Early Screening: Promote routine kidney health checks, especially for high-risk individuals.
o Advocate for Equitable Care: Push for better access to healthcare and affordable treatments for all.
o Promote Healthy Lifestyles: Encourage lifestyle changes that can prevent kidney disease, such as proper hydration, a balanced diet, and regular exercise.
Children’s Kidney Disease: Awareness and Prevention
Kidney disease in children is a growing health concern that can have lifelong consequences if not detected and managed early. While many people associate kidney disease with risk factors prevalent in adult populations such as Diabetes, High blood pressure, smoking,obesity,use of over the counter painkillers,children can also develop conditions that affect kidney function, leading to serious health issues. Raising awareness about paediatric kidney disease and taking preventive measures can help protect children’s health and well-being.
Understanding Kidney Disease in Children
Kidney disease in children can be:
* Congenital (present at birth): Conditions like kidney malformations, polycystic kidney disease, or urinary tract obstructions.
* Acquired (developing later in life): Caused by infections, immune system disorders, or chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors contribute to kidney disease in children, including:
Genetic Conditions: A family history of kidney disease increases the risk.
Birth Defects: Some children are born with abnormal kidney structure.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Recurrent UTIs can damage the kidneys if untreated.
Nephrotic Syndrome: A disorder that causes protein loss in urine, leading to kidney damage.
Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus can harm kidney function.
Obesity and Hypertension: High blood pressure and obesity can strain the kidneys.
Diabetes: Though less common in children, diabetes can lead to kidney disease.
Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Children
Early symptoms may be subtle, so parents and caregivers should watch for:
• Swelling in the face, hands, or feet
• Frequent urination or difficulty urinating
• Blood in urine (pink or cola-colored urine)
• High blood pressure
• Fatigue and weakness
• Poor appetite and slow growth
• Nausea and vomiting
If any of these symptoms appear, seeking medical attention is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
Prevention Strategies
While not all kidney diseases can be prevented, certain measures can reduce the risk:
Promote a Healthy Diet
* Encourage a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
* Limit processed foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
* Ensure adequate water intake to keep kidneys functioning well.
Encourage Physical Activity and discourage screen.
* Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.screentime should be limited to an hour for children more than 2 years and no screentime till 2 years of age.
Prevent and Treat Infections
* Teach children proper hygiene to prevent UTIs.
* Ensure timely treatment of infections to prevent kidney complications.
Monitor Blood Pressure and Sugar Levels
* Regular health check-ups can help detect high blood pressure or diabetes early.Annual blood pressure monitoring should be carried out starting at 3 years of age.
Avoid Unnecessary Medications
* Overuse of painkillers and certain antibiotics can harm kidney function. Always follow a doctor’s advice on medication use.
Raise Awareness and Get Screened
* If there is a family history of kidney disease, regular screening and early intervention can help manage potential risks.screening during pregnancy for kidney diseases is now being done using antenatal ultrasonography and anamolies scan.
Conclusion
Kidney disease in children is a serious health issue, but with awareness and proactive steps, many cases can be prevented or managed effectively. Parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers play a vital role in ensuring children’s kidney health through proper nutrition, regular check-ups, and early intervention when needed. By prioritizing prevention and education, we can protect the next generation from the burden of kidney disease.
World Kidney Day 2025 is an opportunity to take action for kidney health-both individually and as a global community. With early detection, prevention, and better healthcare access, millions of lives can be saved. Let’s work together to create a future where kidney disease is preventable, manageable, and treatable for all.
(The author is Associate Professor and certified pediatrics kidney disease
specialist in Department of Pediatrics, SMGS Hospital, GMC Jammu)
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