Water helps the kidneys at work

World Kidney Day: „Water helps the kidneys at work“

03/10/2015

March 12 is World Kidney Day. This action day will highlight the immense importance of the organ in the human body and increase awareness of the tremendous performance of the kidneys. Austrian pharmacists point out how important it is to drink enough water.

Special role of the kidneys
On the occasion of World Kidney Day on March 12, Austrian pharmacists draw attention to the special role of the kidneys in the organism. The President of the Austrian Chamber of Pharmacists, Mag. Pharm. Max Wellan advises according to the Internet newspaper „wien-heute.at“: „Water helps the kidneys at work. If kidney function is limited, it has a direct impact on drug therapy. Especially people with hypertension, diabetes or overweight should pay particular attention to their kidney function.“

Cause of kidney failure not always known
In addition to hypertension, diabetes and obesity, as well as adiposity, kidney-damaging drugs are also possible triggers for chronic renal insufficiency. However, the reasons for the disease are not known in every case. So it seems to give a genetic predisposition, because people with kidney-related relatives also more likely to develop kidney failure. In addition, it is now known that smoking can increase the risk of chronic kidney failure.

Long-term therapies for kidney disease
Often, kidney disease is associated with long drug therapy, in which the advice and support by the pharmacist or the pharmacist are particularly significant, says the Austrian newspaper. Sometimes kidney patients are plagued by the by-effects of therapy and although with the right drug intake side effects and interactions are often even avoidable. For example, in the case of a kidney tumor, treatment success depends not only on the correct dosage and the duration of therapy, but also clearly on the management of side effects.

„For patients a higher drug safety“
The patient's medication is reportedly analyzed and optimized as part of medication management. As a result, drug-related problems can be better recognized and resolved. „Pharmacists analyze the entirety of the medicines and dietary supplements to be taken, prepare medication plans and advise on the correct intake of medicines. Medication management provides patients with greater drug safety and also promotes compliance“, explained Mag. pharm. Raimund Podroschko, Vice President of the Austrian Pharmacists' Chamber.

World Kidney Day and Kidney Weeks 2015
The World Kidney Day, which always takes place on the second Thursday in March, was launched in 2006. The action day on March 12th in Germany this year is under the motto: „Why healthy kidneys are important“. As part of the World Kidney Day, the Kidney Weeks 2015 will also be taking place during which numerous events will be held nationwide from 1 to 31 March. The Action Weeks are an initiative of the German Kidney Foundation and have been providing information on kidney health for more than ten years. (Ad)