BALLARAT kidney specialist John Richmond is urging people to take a proactive approach in their health to prevent against a disease that tended to be masked in its development.
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Associate Professor Richmond said kidney disease was becoming far more prevalent across the community and dialysis was operating close to capacity in Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital.
He said chronic kidney disease tended to develop gradually and the body often adapted in the early stages of disease to compensate, however, obesity and related illnesses tended to compound the risk of kidney failure.
Associate Professor Richmond’s plea comes ahead of Kidney Health Week, which includes World Kidney Day next Thursday. Kidney Health Australia is focusing on the links between obesity and chronic disease for this year’s awareness campaign.
Associate Professor Richmond said high blood pressure and diabetes were leading causes for people developing kidney issues.
“Chronic kidney disease is a significant problem in our community as in any community in Australia,” Associate Professor John Richmond said. “...A lot comes back to looking at lifestyle. Doctors can help manage blood pressure and diabetes. If you do develop kidney disease, we still want every other part of your life to be healthy for treatment.”
Associate Professor Richmond said about 12,000 Australians were on dialysis but the rate was increasing about 7 per cent per annum.
The risk of developing kidney failure was 10 times greater in the nation’s indigenous population.
Associate Professor Richmond said BHS was exploring the possibility of nocturnal dialysis for Ballarat patients with leading studies showing the longer time a patient spent on a dialysis machine, the more effective dialysis was in removing waste product.
He said this was something patients on home dialysis often experienced on a regular basis.
Obesity can puts a strain on the kidneys, according to Kidney health Australia, with kidneys having to work harder to get rid of toxins, which over time can damage the kidneys’ filters.
Kidney Health Week starts on Sunday and Kidney Health Australia is encouraging people to raise awareness with a healthy morning or afternoon tea or exercise class.