“The kidneys are responsible for maintaining the balance of our blood, without the accumulation of toxins, in addition to helping in the production of hormones” – Lizandra Caroline Barbosa Carvalho, technical reference of the medical district in nephrology
The Federal District has the fifth highest incidence of dialysis in the country, according to census data from the Brazilian Society of Nephrology. The capital records 737 patients per million inhabitants, or 2,280 people under treatment. Public hospitals here are sought out by patients from other Federation units seeking the procedure.
The report points out that, of the 44,037 dialysis patients in Brazil, 33,040 are treated by the unified health system, SUS. The main causes of dialysis in Brazil are diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, which affect kidney function, according to the document.
In the health calendar, March is also considered kidney month. The medical district’s technical reference in nephrology, Lizandra Caroline Barbosa Carvalho, warns of the importance of monitoring kidney function in patients diagnosed with both diseases. Hypertensive and diabetic patients, or those with a family history, should have routine checkups at least once a year.
The nephrologist explains that “the kidneys are responsible for maintaining the balance of our blood, without accumulation of toxins, in addition to helping in the production of hormones”. She warns that the renal complication is a silent disease, like diabetes or hypertension. “When you have symptoms of impaired function, that’s already significant.”
Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, periods of mental confusion and cramps can be linked to an imbalance of urea. In addition to this, the doctor insists that people should be careful about the presence of foam in the urine. “This happens because the organ, which acts as a filter, allows proteins to pass”, explains the specialist.
The doctor also stresses the importance of monitoring for those who adopt a diet based on excessive protein consumption or supplementation. “Athletes who are on supplementation and a high protein diet need to monitor and ensure it does not impact the kidneys.”
She also points out that the use of anti-inflammatories and cigarettes should be avoided. Lizandra reminds us of the importance of practicing physical activity, controlling blood pressure and diabetes, maintaining good hydration and a healthy diet.
Control examinations can be carried out via the public network. For this, it is necessary to make an appointment with a doctor from the Basic Health Unit (UBS) to check blood pressure, blood sugar and kidney function.
*With information from the DF Department of Health
Brasilia Agency* | Editing: Saul Moreno
