PHARMACISTS ARE ESSENTIAL MEMBERS OF THE HEALTH CARE TEAM THAT CAN HELP PREVENT, DETECT, AND MANAGE KIDNEY DISEASE
Waste accumulation: As the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products, toxins can build up in the blood, causing fatigue, nausea, itching, and confusion. Electrolyte imbalance: As the kidneys lose their ability to maintain electrolyte levels, minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and phosphorus can become too high or too low, causing muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, bone loss, and nerve damage. Anaemia: As the kidneys lose their ability to produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production, anaemia can develop, causing weakness, paleness, and shortness of breath. Cardiovascular complications: Kidney disease can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, as it can cause high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inflammation, and fluid overload.
How is kidney disease diagnosed and treated? Kidney disease is often diagnosed by blood and urine tests that measure the levels of certain substances that indicate kidney function, such as
creatinine, urea, and albumin. These tests can also help determine the stage of kidney disease, which reflects the severity of the damage and the remaining kidney function.
The treatment of kidney disease depends on the cause, the stage, and the symptoms. The main goals of treatment are to slow down the progression of the disease, relieve the symptoms, and prevent or treat the complications. Some of the common treatments are:
Medications: Various drugs can be used to control blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, inflammation, and infections, as well as to reduce protein in the urine, correct electrolyte imbalances, and treat anaemia. Lifestyle changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or delay kidney damage, as well as improve overall health. This includes eating a balanced diet, limiting salt and protein intake, drinking enough fluids, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol. Dialysis: A procedure that artificially filters the blood using a machine or a membrane inserted
into the abdomen. This is usually required when the kidneys have lost most or all of their function and cannot adequately remove waste and fluid from the body. Kidney transplant: A surgery that replaces a damaged kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This can restore normal kidney function and eliminate the need for dialysis, but it also involves the risk of rejection and infection, as well as the need for lifelong immunosuppressive drugs.
How can pharmacists help with kidney disease? Pharmacists are essential members of the health care team that can help prevent, detect, and manage kidney disease. Some of the ways pharmacists can help are:
Medication reviews: Pharmacists can identify medications that could harm kidney function and provide safer alternatives, ensuring optimal kidney health while addressing other ailments. Lifestyle counselling: Pharmacists can advise on diet, exercise, and smoking cessation, all of which significantly impact kidney health and can slow kidney disease progression. Monitoring and education: Pharmacists can keep track of blood pressure, blood sugar, and kidney function markers, while educating patients about their condition and empowering them to manage it actively. Early referral: Pharmacists can recognize signs of kidney disease and prompt patients to seek further medical evaluation, ensuring timely diagnosis and intervention.
Kidney disease is a silent but serious condition that can affect anyone, but especially those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney problems. It can cause various complications and impair the quality of life of those affected.
However, with early detection, appropriate treatment, and lifestyle modifications, kidney disease can be prevented or slowed down, and its symptoms and consequences can be alleviated.
Pharmacists play a vital role in helping patients with kidney disease, by providing medication, counselling, monitoring, and education to improve the health and well-being of people in our communities impacted by kidney disease.
scottishpharmacist.com 45
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
