SORSOGON (PIA) -- Kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining chemical balance in the body. If they are not functioning properly, they will work harder to keep up, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) may develop. 

This was underscored by nephrologists during the Kapihan sa PIA Sorsogon held at SM City Sorsogon in celebration of World Kidney Day on March 14. 

Dr. Lenniel Arroyo-Abit, an internal medicine and adult nephrologist at the Sorsogon Provincial Hospital, emphasized that if kidneys are not properly taken care of, CKD may develop.

According to Arroyo-Abit, CKD death-related cases continue to rise in the Philippines. 

Statistics from 2021 show that there were seven million Filipinos diagnosed with CKD, but many cases are underdiagnosed because people are not interested in consulting. 

She explained that every hour, one patient is diagnosed with CKD, which is a significant concern. 

Arroyo-Abit also discussed the various risk factors that contribute to CKD, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and genetic factors. 

Heart disease, gout, frequent drinking of liquor, excessive exposure to pain medications, and developing kidney stones are other risk factors. 

She advised operated patients who have been cleared of kidney stones to continue taking care of their kidneys because there is a chance that the disease will recur. 

Arroyo-Abit recommended that everyone have at least a once-a-year or every six months test to assess their kidney's condition, but it should still depend on their doctor's advice. 

While kidney death-related cases in the Bicol region are not yet established, Arroyo-Abit said that they are planning to organize local statistics to make them more accessible and helpful to the public. 

She believes that having such statistics would be beneficial because they could raise awareness and disseminate information to other towns.

Dr. Edgar Fajardo Remonte Jr., a National Kidney and Transplant Institute fellow, said that there is no data yet regarding CKD cases in Sorsogon province. 

Remonte advised everyone to "know your risk factors," especially if they have hypertension or diabetes. 

He also reminded the public that there are local health centers and government hospitals where they can avail themselves of free consultations regarding CKD. (PIA 5/Sorsogon)