Kidney Action Week is set for 11-17 May 2024, to raise awareness about the importance of protecting against kidney disease with early detection and prevention.
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped, fist-sized organs located in the back of the abdominal cavity, with one on each side of the spine. They are a special filter system for the body, removing waste and excess from the blood which are then excreted through urine. Kidneys also regulate blood pressure and maintain electrolyte balance in blood.
The focus of Kidney Action Week is to highlight kidney disease, which is where waste gradually builds up in the body as a result of kidneys not functioning as they should. Diabetes is one of the most common causes, and heart disease and obesity can contribute to damage.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate, is also a significant risk to kidney function.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate, is a significant risk to kidney function. A 2021 study* highlighted the correlation between BPH and impaired kidney health, particularly among individuals aged between 60 and 69.
The study noted that the BPH symptom of urinary retention which affects 8,000 Australians a year can cause backflow of urine to the kidneys, causing kidney scarring.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for kidney disease. We need to focus on prevention and deal early with any signs or symptoms. Slow urine flow can be an indicator of prostate and bladder issues, including BPH.
We know that an enlarged prostate can impact our kidneys, so being proactive with prostate and bladder issues is one of the keys to avoiding kidney complications.
Dr Adrian Sheen
Inventor of the WIDDLEOMETER®
* Associations Between Kidney Dysfunction and Risk Factors in Patients with Transurethral Resection of the Prostate
Zuhirman Zamzami, 1 Herman Rayendra, 2 and Nafisa Az-zahra