SAN FERNANDO CITY – The increasing number of urinary tract infection cases among children nationwide has alarmed the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI).
Dr. Remedios Uriarte of NKTI said 1.1 million out of 4.7 million school children have abnormal urine findings based on the survey conducted by the Department of Health and NKTI.
“Kidney diseases are not limited to the older generation, a high number of renal problems are seen in school children”, Uriarte revealed.
The seminar workshop for Northern Luzon covered regions 1, 2 and CAR, and was participated in by doctors from the three regions.
Uriarte said the seminar focused on the signs and symptoms of kidney diseases and the treatment and prevention of such disease. She also explained that infection is the common kidney disorder for people aged 50 years old and above. Most common of this type is the bladder infection with early symptoms of urgent and frequent urination.
“Prolonged high blood pressure can also cause a degeneration of the small artery in the kidneys and impair renal efficiency. This can be the start of a vicious cycle since damaged kidneys may worsen hypertension, which in turn damages the kidneys” Uriarte said.
Inadequate supply of water and other liquids in the body, excessive intake of protein and calcium rich foods, exposure to chemicals, prolonged use of certain drugs, and ignoring the urge to urinate can cause kidney disease, she added.
Kidney diseases are fatal if left untreated. It pays to know the warning signs if one is suspected to be afflicted of the diseases: puffiness around the eyes (especially in children), gradual swelling of parts of the body (usually the ankles), and low back pain are some of the symptoms of kidney diseases.
The increased frequency of urination or changes in its pattern, unusual sensation while urinating, bloody or tea colored urine, anemia and high blood pressure are also included in the warning signs.
“Any of these signs calls for the individual to have an immediate medical check-up to determine the severity of the disease and the corresponding treatment”, Uriarte advised.
However, she also explained that some kidney disorders can be cured at its early stage. Other treatments can relieve pain, retard the disease and prolong life.
Some of the treatments for kidney disorders include: regular intake of salt, water and protein when the kidneys cannot do the job; use of diuretics or drugs to increase urine flow; use of antibiotics to prevent or limit damage to kidneys caused by bacteria; use of steroids to relieve symptoms in many cases of nephrosis; and surgery to remove obstructions and correct birth defects, Uriarte enumerated.
– FNMartin, PIA-CAR
