Every seventh Pakistani suffers from CKD: expert

MN Report

Karachi: Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre’s Consultant Nephrologist Dr Junaid Iqbal said here that Pakistan is on eighth position in the world in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) as, according to World Health Organisation (WHO), 16,000 Pakistanis become victim of CKD each year and every seventh Pakistani suffers from this chronic ailment.

“People with high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension or high blood pressure, obesity or a tobacco user can develop CKD,” he added.

Elaborating, he said that since most of the people may not have any severe symptoms until their kidney disease is in advance stage, they should undergo tests, at least once a year.

SYMPTOMS: Pointing out that swollen feet and ankles, dry or itchy skin, poor appetite or urine with blood are known symptoms of CKD, Dr Iqbal said that early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure. Screening of at-risk people and above 50 years of age is important because treatment exist at early stage.

Moreover, men beyond 50 should also get prostate screening because CKD and prostate disease attack silently, he added.

He advised the at-risk people of CKD to have good life-style by doing 30 minutes exercise for five days a week, use salt less than four grams per day, avoid take high fatty foods and reduce weight.