Lions, JEMS host lecture on Kidney disease

Chronic Kidney Disease is quickly becoming one of the more serious medical complications affecting tens of thousands worldwide.{{more}}

The increasing incidence of diabetes, hypertension, obesity and an aging population have contributed significantly to the increase in kidney disease.

It is more prevalent in persons above the age of 60 and is more common among persons of Hispanic, African American and Asian descent.

It occurs when one suffers from gradual and usually permanent loss of kidney function over time, with very few symptoms in the early stages.

This was the premise of a lecture delivered on August 10 by United States based Nephrologist Dr Colville Williams in conjunction with the JEMS progressive organization and Lions Club South, with the overall intention of educating the public on issues that are relevant to their overall well being.

According to Dr Williams, Chronic kidney disease is divided into five stages of increasing severity, beginning with slight kidney damage with normal or increased filtration and ending with kidney failure.

When the eventual loss of kidney function occurs, there is an accumulation of water, waste, and toxic substances in the body, all which are normally excreted by the kidney.

Loss of kidney function also leads to other problems such as anemia, high blood pressure, excessive acidity of body fluids, disorders of cholesterol and fatty acids, and bone disease.

The symptoms in the latter stages include frequent urination, swelling of the legs and puffiness around the eyes, loss of appetite and also extreme conditions such as bone pain and fractures and decreased sexual interest.

The dangerous accumulation of water and toxic waste substances often results in the need for dialysis or transplantation to stay alive.

Ultimately, kidney disease is difficult to prevent, but according to Dr Williams, persons may be able to protect the kidneys from damage or slow the progression of the disease by controlling the underlying conditions which lead to it.

The presentation was put on by the Lions Club South in conjunction with the JEMS. (DD)