World Kidney Day improves awareness

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - One in ten adults has some form of kidney damage.

March 12 is World Kidney Day and Clarian Arnett Health is joining efforts to raise awareness about chronic kidney disease.

There are risk factors and symptoms everyone should recognize.

Tim Carlstedt, a Purdue Junior, considers himself a pretty healthy guy.

"I work out regularly, play soccer, eat healthy, for the most part," Carlstedt said.

But last month, Carlstedt got really sick.

"I had a urinary tract infection and a kidney infection," said Carlstedt. "I could not move out of my bed. So I decided to go see a doctor. And my sister who also works for the national kidney foundation was just harping in my ear the entire time, go see a nephrologist and get your kidney looked at."

Tim never thought he needed to worry about his kidneys. He saw Dr. Stephen Ash, a Clarian Arnett Kidney Specialist, and learned he was wrong.

According to Dr. Ash, kidney disease can affect very young healthy patients. More than 20 million Americans have chronic kidney disease, or CKD.

"Many of them do not know that their kidneys do not function normally. They're in the early phases of the disease. There's very few symptoms or feelings related to the kidney disease. But it's very important to catch it early in the course, before it results in kidney failure," said Ash.

Some common symptoms associated with CKD are lack of energy, trouble concentrating, lack of appetite, muscle cramps, swollen feet, and need to urinate. Dr. Ash says everyone is at risk.

"Especially if you have a family history of diabetes or high blood pressure. Or you have high blood pressure. Then you should be especially concerned about getting your kidneys checked," said Ash.

A family doctor can perform a simple blood test and urine analysis. Early detection can improve the outcome and greatly slow the progression fo the disease.

For Carlstedt, keeping his kidneys working well includes some lifestyle changes, and taking better care of his body.

Dr. Ash recommends people reduce high blood pressure, decrease salt intake, stop smoking, increase physical activity, and control their weight.