Attention, smokers and frequent painkiller users!

Specialist Dr. Özlem Yayar, serving in the Nephrology Department of Manisa Merkezefendi State Hospital, stated that smoking and the frequent use of painkillers put individuals at high risk for kidney disease.

Making a statement on the occasion of 'World Kidney Day,' which is celebrated on the second Thursday of March every year, Nephrology Specialist Dr. Özlem Yayar issued important warnings.

"IT HAS BECOME A SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEM"

Stating that chronic kidney failure has increased like an epidemic all over the world in recent years and has become a serious health problem, Merkezefendi State Hospital Nephrology Specialist Dr. Özlem Yayar said, "The most common causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes, high blood pressure, nephritis, cystic kidney diseases, and urological (stones or blockages in the urinary tract) problems. Diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, advanced age, a family history of kidney disease, smoking, and frequent use of painkillers make a person high-risk for kidney disease."

EMPHASIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DIAGNOSIS

Stating that chronic kidney disease often progresses insidiously without showing symptoms until the dialysis stage, Yayar said, "It is important for everyone, especially those at risk, to undergo regular health screenings and to have their kidney functions checked with simple blood and urine tests. Chronic kidney disease that cannot be diagnosed and treated early progresses to end-stage renal failure, and at this stage, dialysis and kidney transplant treatments come into play."

"UNNECESSARY DRUG USE SHOULD BE AVOIDED"

Stating that protecting kidney function is extremely important, especially in individuals who have chronic kidney disease or are at high risk for it, Nephrology Specialist Dr. Özlem Yayar said, "It is very important that kidney functions are monitored by a physician and that protective measures are taken when using drugs that pose a risk to the kidneys, during diagnostic or therapeutic interventions, and before and after risky surgeries. Unnecessary drug use that is not under physician supervision should be avoided. In terms of kidney health, not leaving the kidneys dehydrated and paying attention to adequate water intake is even more important for those living in hot climates."

News Source: İHA