CALASIAO–The National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI) is intensifying its campaign against kidney diseases, which rank among the ten most common death-causing diseases in the country.

Dr. Susan Jorge, assistant program manager of the Renal Disease Control Program (REDCOP) of the NKTI, disclosed that there has been an increase in the reported incidents of kidney diseases this year.

Jorge explained that the increase, however, does not necessarily represent the proliferation of the disease, but rather the increase in the accuracy of diagnosis as there has been an increasing number of renal specialists practicing in the provinces.

Jorge was speaking during the “Urinalysis: Maximizing the Use of a Basic Tool for Diagnosis and Prevention of Kidney Diseases” seminar held at the Regency Hotel here Tuesday, which was attended by 57 public health officers from Pangasinan and La Union.

Jorge said the NKTI conducted the seminar to enable the national government to have greater access to the people affected by renal diseases through the local health units.

The lectures were intended to upgrade the doctors’ knowledge on diagnosing renal diseases, particularly on urinalysis.

Jorge stressed that urinalysis should be available in all health facilities as it is a basic and inexpensive type of diagnostic tool for kidney problems.

However, doctors could differ in their interpretations of urine sample parameters, leading to false diagnosis.

The participating doctors underwent two tests before and after the lectures given by Jorge and adult nephrology consultants Dr. Marie Angeline Gumba and Dr. Abraham Coquia.

The seminar was undertaken in cooperation with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

SALT AND SUGAR

Kidney problems are mostly caused by underlying hypertension or diabetes brought about by an unhealthy lifestyle, including having an unbalanced diet and too much stress from work.

Jorge advised the public to minimize the intake of salt and sugar.

Abuse of over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol can also harm the kidneys, she added.

The high number of fatalities from renal diseases is attributed to the high cost of maintenance and operation.

Dialysis usually costs P2,500 per session and is done three times a week, while a kidney transplant costs at least P300,000 and donors are restricted to the relatives of the patient.

For patients undergoing dialysis, only half are likely to survive in the next four years. (PIA- Pangasinan)

NO SUBSTITUTES

Jorge also warned the public against the use of herbal products and food supplements as a substitute for approved medicines.

She pointed out that all supplements are required to print “No approved therapeutic claim” label on the packages to warn the public despite their marketing and advertising claims of being able to cure various ailments, including those related to the kidney.

Some products go as far as claiming to be a “cure-all” solution for diseases.

“Ang myth kasi, kung natural, healthy,” she said.

The doctor, however, did not discourage the use of these herbal products as a supplement to the normal diet. (PIA-Pangasinan)

WATER IS BEST

At the same time, Jorge stressed that drinking water is good for keeping a healthy kidney.

She reiterated the need to drink six to eight glasses of water everyday.(PIA-Pangasinan)

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