CKDU AWARENESS

Raising Awareness and Finding Solutions for CKDU in Sri Lanka

WHAT IS CKDU?

CKDu stands for Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown etiology. It is a form of kidney disease characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. Unlike traditional forms of kidney disease, the specific cause of CKDu is unknown, although it is often associated with certain risk factors such as agricultural practices, environmental factors, and dehydration. CKDu has been particularly prevalent in rural regions of countries like Sri Lanka, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, leading to significant health challenges and public health concerns in these areas. This website aims to focus purely on the effects of CKDu in Sri Lanka.

THE SYMPTOMS

Kidney-related symptoms:
- Decreased urine output
- Changes in urine color (e.g., dark urine)
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Foamy or bubbly urine
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or face (edema) due to fluid retention
- Fatigue or weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent itching
- Loss of appetite
Systemic symptoms:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Unintentional weight loss
- Muscle cramps and twitches
- Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
- Sleep disturbances
- Dry, itchy skin
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Bone pain or fractures (due to mineral imbalances)
- Easy bruising and bleeding
- Increased susceptibility to infections

It’s important to note that CKDu is often asymptomatic in it’s early stages. Routine screening is vital, especially to those at higher risk of contracting the disease due to factors like family history, diabetes, hypertension, or exposure to potential environmental toxins

AFFECTED AREAS

In Sri Lanka, CKDu is primarily found in the Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Badulla, and Hambantota districts. The disease is most typically found in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Badulla. CKDu is also prevalent in Central America, and became a public health crisis in several Latin American countries. (Image Credit: Sri Lanka Foundation)

RISK FACTORS

The causes of CKDu are still heavily debated, some argue that exposure to heat stress or agrochemicals is likely the cause, others believe that environmental factors such as contaminated water, heavy metals or infections is the culprit. (Image Credit: Wiley Online Library)

WHo IS AFFECTED?

According to the National Institute of Enviornmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), CKDu primarily affects agricultural workers living in hot, humid areas like Sri Lanka, India, and Central America. It is more common among women and the elderly. The disease has been responsible for about 20,000 deaths in the last five years, and it has affected over 800 million individuals.

How can I help?

There are many organizations working towards preventing CKDu in Sri Lanka including The Noble Dawn Foundation, The Sri Lanka Kidney Foundation, and more!