BAGUIO CITY – The hemodialysis unit of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) is alarmed over the increasing number of kidney patients seeking medical treatment from the premier tertiary hospital who come, not only from the city, but also from the different parts of Northern Luzon.
Dra. Virginia B. Mangati, head of the BGMHC hemodialysis unit, said some 35 to 50 new kidney patients are added to their existing number of dialysis cases monthly, which at times they cannot all accommodate, forcing some patients to seek dialysis treatment from private centers in the city.
“The primary cause of kidney ailment is lifestyle, aggravated by other illnesses of the patients, particularly hypertension and diabetes, as well as some of the medicines they take for their diagnosed illnesses, among others,” Mangati stressed.
She explained that it is not advisable for kidney patients suffering from hypertension or diabetes to take in mixed drugs as the prescribed medicines for hypertension and diabetes have undergone thorough researches that took into consideration their side effects to the patients, while alternative medicines or herbal medicines have not been subjected to thorough researches, This is the reason why there may be some negative reactions due to mixing these drugs.
According to her, the BGHMC dialysis center can only accommodate at least 150 dialysis patients having once, twice or thrice-a-week dialysis treatment.
Mangati said the BGHMC administration is studying the possibility of coming out with a third shift of dialysis treatment in order to increase the number of patients to be treated, but the proposal is still subject to the decision of higher authorities and the availability of sufficient units of equipment and supplies.
The BGHMC official claimed most kidney patients seeking medical attention are not aware of the status of their kidneys that is why they are surprised to learn that their kidneys are totally or partially damaged when they seek initial treatment from them. She advised everyone to have their kidneys checked regularly.
She revealed that most of those who seek treatment from their unit have already damaged kidneys and thus already subject to hemodialysis treatment.
For those who have stage 1, 2 and 3 kidney ailments, Mangati disclosed that there is still a big possibility that the situation can be reversed, but for stage 4 and 5, patients are advised to undergo lifetime dialysis or kidney transplant.
She advised the public to avoid taking in herbal medicines, energy drinks, salty and fatty foods in order to prevent compromising their kidneys and allow them to live a healthy life.
By Dexter A. See
