Dr Tim Mathew,
Medical Director of Kidney Health Australia said people with
moderately severe kidney disease or on dialysis or a kidney
transplant are vulnerable to extreme temperatures and it was vital
that they stayed well hydrated and remained indoors in cool air
conditioned areas. The preferred fluid for maintaining hydration is
simple water.
"Any sign of dehydration such as confusion, headache, light
headedness or collapse should be responded to without delay by
contacting your local medical support.
"Every day our kidneys filter 200 litres of blood and it is vital
especially in hot weather people remain hydrated, to ensure our
kidneys (two small organs the size of our fists which in one year on
average process 73,000 litres of blood) are able to work at maximum
capacity. For those on dialysis it was essential to follow their own
doctor's recommendations about fluid intake."
Dr Mathew said over 40 Australians die of kidney failure each day
and approximately 2 million Australians may be affected by
early-stage kidney disease and don't know it. Those at special risk
from the heat are those with kidney function that is reduced to
below 30% of normal and those people on dialysis treatment or with a
transplant.
Media Enquiries:
Dr Tim Mathew, Medical Director Kidney
Health Australia Mobile: 0416 149 863
Ron Smith National
Media Communications Kidney Health Australia Mobile: 0417 329
201