Discover what March’s National Kidney Month is all about and explore strategies to proactively support this vital health initiative.
National Kidney Month
March marks a period of noteworthy events including Saint Patrick’s Day, Mardi Gras, Cherry Blossom Festivals, March Madness, and the onset of spring. Additionally, the month is recognized for significant national health observances, such as National Kidney Month. This dynamic campaign, supported by Americans and U.S. Congress, advances public awareness, health education, and provides support and encouragement to those affected by kidney disease. Let’s learn about chronic kidney disease (CKD), examine the significance of the National Kidney Month initiative, and discover ways in which individuals can contribute to its success.
Shocking statistics about CKD
Did you know that in the United States chronic kidney disease affects 37-40 million adults? This means more than 1 in 7 adults have kidneys that aren’t working properly or are beginning to lose their function. Additionally, as reported last year, 1.4 million enrolled Veterans suffer from chronic kidney disease, thus it’s a serious issue for many people, including individuals who have served the nation.
The VA – focused on eradicating kidney failure
VA News wants people to know that the United States Department of Veterans Affairs takes preventing CKD seriously, whether it is inherited, related to occupational or environmental exposure, or other causes. They emphasize, “Kidney medicine providers are available across the nation either at VAMCs or via the VA telenephrology program. These professionals provide comprehensive kidney health care providers, and conduct clinical and basic science research that has fundamentally changed how we care for people at risk for or with kidney injury.”
Kidney basics
The kidneys, of which humans possess two, serve vital functions within the body. These bean-shaped organs are situated posteriorly on either side of the spine, beneath the rib cage. While the kidneys perform multiple roles, their primary responsibility is to filter the blood. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Your kidneys are like a filter in your body—filtering out wastes, toxins, and extra water from your blood.” Accordingly, proper kidney function is essential; it is important for individuals to maintain healthy lifestyles, undergo regular health screenings, and prioritize kidney health.
Diagnosis of CKD
A diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD and chronic renal disease) means that kidneys can’t do their jobs filtering waste, so it builds up in the blood. Normally, healthy kidneys clean waste products from the blood by making urine. Urology Care Foundation explains additional roles of the kidneys. “They also balance the amount of certain elements in your blood (such as sodium, potassium, and calcium) and make hormones that control blood pressure and red blood cells.” Therefore, having working kidneys is important. “Chronic” means that kidney function can slowly decrease over time and can worsen without treatment.
Stages of CKD
Chronic kidney disease has five stages, from very mild (stage 1) to kidney failure (stage 5) based on results of blood and urine tests. eGFR stands for the estimated glomerular filtration rate, a number based on the amount of creatinine (a waste product) found in your blood. Per American Kidney Fund, “The urine test is called a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) and checks for a condition called albuminuria, where a protein called albumin is in your urine (or pee).” To know if you have CKD, a doctor will repeat these tests to determine if long-term damage (lasting at least three months) exists.
Symptoms of CKD
Early stages may not have noticeable symptoms. However, worsening symptoms may include:
- A need to urinate more frequently
- Tiredness/weakness/low energy
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling of the hands, feet and ankles
- Shortness of breath
- Foamy or bubbly pee
- Puffy eyes
- Dry/itchy skin
- Trouble concentrating
- Numbness
- Nausea/vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- High blood pressure
- Darkening of your skin
- Ammonia smelling breath
Per Cleveland Clinic, “Keep in mind that it can take years for waste to build up in your blood and cause symptoms.” Seeing your doctor regularly, getting annual bloodwork, and reporting symptoms promptly, even those which seem insignificant, can likely help diagnose CKD early.
Common causes of CKD
High blood pressure and diabetes are common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD), but conditions like glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, membranous nephropathy, lupus, and certain medications can also contribute. Family history of heart disease, age over 60, or existing diabetes, hypertension, or abnormal kidney structure increase CKD risk. CKD can lead to complications such as bone weakness, anemia, metabolic acidosis, gout, fluid retention, and more. Prompt treatment is essential.
Testing & preserving kidney function
Healthcare providers support patients by ordering blood and urine tests to evaluate kidney health. Although chronic kidney disease (CKD) cannot be cured, taking certain measures can slow its progression and help preserve kidney function for as long as possible. Unfortunately, many cases are only discovered at advanced stages. When kidney disease reaches late stages, dialysis or a kidney transplant becomes necessary. Typically, those waiting for a kidney from a deceased donor face an average wait time of three to five years; obtaining one from a living donor is generally sooner. According to the Cleveland Clinic, untreated total kidney failure will lead to death. However, treatments can likely slow decline. The primary cause of death among CKD patients is heart disease, which arises as a complication of CKD. This information aims not to alarm but to emphasize how common kidney disease is among adults and to explain why early detection and proper treatment are vital for a longer, healthier life.
Awareness and health monitoring
A primary goal of National Kidney Month is to raise awareness of effective kidney disease prevention steps. Since uncontrolled high blood pressure and diabetes are leading causes of CKD, people can take steps to focus on their health to manage or help prevent kidney disease. Patients with and without CKD are encouraged to have their health regularly monitored. Those diagnosed may benefit from seeing a nephrologist (kidney specialist) and manage their blood glucose (sugar) levels if diabetic. Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, and taking medications as prescribed are highly beneficial to kidney and overall health.
Managing CKD
Many Americans live with kidney problems. In fact, it is labeled as “the fastest growing non-communicable disease in the U.S.” Most people who seek treatment can manage their condition. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you feel tired, experience loss of appetite, pee more than normal, can’t sleep or focus, and have muscle cramps, itchy skin or swollen feet and ankles. While each of those symptoms can have other causes, it’s good to rule out or address health problems.
Organ donations
Donating a kidney is a lifesaving act. A kidney donation is a type of surgery that removes one kidney from a living donor (remember people have two) or both in someone who is deceased to transplant them in someone whose kidneys aren’t working anymore. People with one kidney can live long and healthy lives. Click here to learn more about kidney donation.
Focus on kidney health
Specific leading organizations like the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), the American Kidney Fund (AKF), and the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) share common purposes – not only to heighten awareness of kidney health and initiatives during the month of March, but also to continue to offer support for kidney patients year-round and work toward eradicating kidney failure. As part of their efforts to raise public awareness, they want people to understand risk factors and possible lifestyle choices that can influence health and wellbeing. They also seek donations to continue their vital missions.
Understanding risk factors & action steps
Major risk factors of chronic kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and a family history of kidney failure. Making wise lifestyle choices like eating healthy, staying active, avoiding smoking, and controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels are excellent steps that can improve health outcomes. If you’re concerned about your kidney or overall health, have a frank discussion with your primary care physician and ask your doctor for a simple blood test (eGFR) and urine test (uACR) to check your kidney function. Remember that your doctor is a primary partner in your health, serving you through regular health checkups and care and monitoring your organ health.
National Kidney Month & the National Kidney Foundation
National Kidney Month (NKM) brings attention to kidney health, promoting education and focusing on patient engagement and advocacy. Donations for support, research, and cures are also greatly appreciated by kidney organizations. NKM is championed by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and is recognized by the U.S. Congress to promote health education screenings and kidney health equity. The initiative highlights that kidney disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S. – and pushes for early detection, lifestyle change, and health management. In addition to promoting education and resources like the Kidney Risk Quiz, this health initiative remains focused on raising awareness of kidney health. To learn more about taking charge of your health or managing chronic kidney disease, visit www.niddk.nih.gov
Championing good health
Multiple organizations play prominent roles in kidney disease awareness. The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), the oldest and largest fully independent kidney patient organization in the U.S., enthusiastically supports National Kidney Month and is dedicated to improving the lives and long-term outcomes of kidney patients. Founded in 1969 by six dialysis patients with doctor encouragement, the organization helped to create the End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Program, saving over one million lives since 1973. “AAKP fights for early disease detection and the appropriate diagnosis of rare/genetic conditions, increased kidney transplantation and pre-emptive transplantation, full patient choice of either in-center or home dialysis, protection of the patient/physician relationship, promotion of research and innovation including artificial implantable and wearable kidneys and the elimination of barriers for patient access to available treatment options.”
In summary
National Kidney Month raises awareness about kidney disease and stresses prevention, early detection, and treatment. Encouraging screening and healthy habits year-round can help reduce the impact of this disease and provide a decent quality of life for those affected. Joining your favorite kidney organization helps support education and efforts against kidney disease, putting your energy toward a worthy lifesaving cause which affects millions.
Disclosure: This article is not medically reviewed. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, endorsement of the referenced organizations, or a replacement for consultation with qualified healthcare professionals.
