A large number of people are battling kidney disease which is a silent killer. When the kidney fails and the body is unable to eliminate waste and excess fluids, the available treatments are dialysis or a transplant. Unfortunately, many people die while awaiting a kidney transplant. The incidence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has significantly increased, particularly among those aged 25-55 in addition to the older age group. After undergoing dialysis, a kidney transplant becomes the final option for improving well-being.
Therefore, it is crucial to promote organ donation by urging family members to consider living donor kidney transplants, allowing them to donate one of their kidneys and potentially save the life of someone they care about.
There is an alarming rise in kidney disease across India. Various factors such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension due to eating a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and salt and lack of physical activity put one at risk of kidney disease. This highlights the importance of early detection and management.
Kidney diseases are linked to higher morbidity and mortality rates in the country. The symptoms of kidney disease develop over time and impact the kidney function.
Ultimately, loss of kidney function results in decreased urination, fatigue, vomiting, poor appetite, weakness, swelling of feet and ankles, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, and muscle cramps. Chronic kidney disease and end-stage Renal Disease (ESRD) impose a concerning burden on the healthcare system, necessitating dialysis or transplantation for survival. Recognizing that the kidneys play a pivotal role in filtering blood and eliminating toxins from the body, preserving their function is essential for leading a healthy life. Given the rise in ESRD in people of the age group of 25-55, there is a need for life-changing organ donation,” said Dr Sachin Gupta, Nephrologist, AIMS Hospital Dombivli.
Dr Sachin Gupta added, "Living donors represent the most favorable choice for transplants, allowing patients to undergo the procedure within a matter of months. Organs obtained from living donors tend to have lower rejection rates and greater longevity, resulting in improved outcomes both in the short term and over time. About 20% of transplants are done from living donors as transplants from deceased donors take time due to the long waiting list for organs. During the living donor transplant, the family member of the recipient can donate his/her kidney and save the life of the one in need of the organ."
The rise in kidney disease among people aged 25 to 55 is due to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, Many individuals are diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), and experience symptoms like reduced urination, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, swelling in the feet and ankles. Those with advanced kidney disease often require dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival. When a kidney transplant becomes the only option for enhancing the quality of life, a family member may choose to donate his/her kidney by giving their loved one a new chance at life. Promoting organ donation is crucial since it can transform the lives of recipients who are often in desperate need of transplants. Living donor kidney transplants give the recipient a second chance to life and should be done without any hesitation and it doesn’t have any consequences for the donor’s health. Be a part of this selfless act by donating a kidney or even a portion of your liver if you are found to be a suitable donor, said Dr. Puneet Bhuwania, Consultant Nephrologist & Transplant Physician at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road.
Organ donation is a selfless act and is capable of transforming lives. Organ donation is a potent solution that can bridge the gap between life and death for many people in need.
It is the need of the hour to create awareness of organ donation by dispelling myths and educating people to make informed decisions. So, pledge to donate organs and turn tragedy into hope of survival.
Kidney disease prevention is key to staying healthy and hearty. “By adopting lifestyle modifications such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, taking medication for diabetes and hypertension, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and staying hydrated, one can keep kidney disease at bay that causes kidney failure and demand transplantation,” concluded Dr Sachin Gupta, Nephrologist, AIMS Hospital Dombivli.
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