Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Mar 14: The burden of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has doubled over the past decade in India and Jammu & Kashmir, primarily due to the increasing prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and coronary artery diseases among the population, according to doctors.
Contrary to misconceptions, anyone can be susceptible to kidney issues, regardless of their family history or medical background, they said.
Dr Tanveer Iqbal, a prominent Urologist, said that CKD contributes to 2-3% of all deaths in India, which is approximately 1 to 1.5 lakh deaths annually.
Dr Iqbal further elaborated on recent advancements in the field, saying much progress has been made such as pig kidney transplants into humans, which have shown promise in surviving up to two months, the development of artificial kidneys, and the utilisation of artificial intelligence to predict CKD at an early stage.
The prevalence of CKD is higher among individuals aged 50 and above, particularly among those with diabetes and hypertension, he said, adding that children are prone to congenital abnormalities affecting the kidneys.
Professor (Dr) Syed Sajjad Nazir, Head of the Department of Urology and Renal Transplantation at SS Hospital, GMC Srinagar, said lifestyle plays a vital role in maintaining kidney health. Lifestyle factors such as diet, hydration, exercise, and the management of chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes are crucial in preventing kidney diseases, he said.
Dr Nazir said warning signs of CKD include body swelling, fatigue, foamy urine, decreased urine output, decreased appetite, and disrupted sleep patterns. He said early detection and proactive management of risk factors are essential in combating the rising burden of CKD in the region.
He outlined several lifestyle changes individuals can adopt to promote kidney well-being:
Stay Hydrated: Adequate hydration is crucial for kidney health. Drinking plenty of water helps eliminate toxins and waste products from the body, reducing the risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is essential for kidney health. Avoiding excessive sodium, processed foods, and sugary beverages can help prevent conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which can harm the kidneys over time.
Monitor Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time. Regularly monitoring blood pressure and taking steps to keep it within a healthy range, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting salt intake, and managing stress, is vital for kidney health.
Control Blood Sugar: Elevated blood sugar levels can also harm the kidneys. Individuals with diabetes should closely monitor their blood sugar levels, adhere to their healthcare provider’s recommendations for diabetes management, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent complications.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can increase the risk of kidney disease. Moderating alcohol consumption is advisable for overall health and kidney well-being.
Quit Smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the kidneys, raising the risk of kidney disease. Quitting smoking can safeguard kidney health and lower the risk of complications.
Exercise Regularly: Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and improve overall cardiovascular health, all of which are crucial for preserving kidney function.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues that affect kidney function. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, or relaxation techniques, benefits both physical and mental health.
Get Regular Check-Ups: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider are essential for monitoring kidney function and detecting any problems early. It’s important to adhere to recommended screenings and tests, especially for individuals with risk factors for kidney disease.
Dr Sajad highlighted several misconceptions about kidney health that are crucial to address:
Family History: One common misconception is that only individuals with a family history of kidney problems are at risk. While genetics can be a factor, kidney issues can also stem from lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Anyone can be susceptible to kidney problems regardless of family history.
Silent Progression: Kidney diseases often progress silently without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. By the time symptoms like swelling, fatigue, changes in urination, or blood in urine manifest, the kidneys may already be significantly damaged.
Hydration: While staying hydrated is vital for kidney function, excessive water intake can be harmful, especially for individuals with certain medical conditions like heart or kidney problems. It’s essential to maintain a balance and avoid overhydration.
Age and Risk: Aging does increase the risk of kidney issues, but younger individuals can also develop kidney diseases due to factors like obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and unhealthy lifestyle habits.
Treatment Options: While dialysis and kidney transplants are common treatments for end-stage kidney failure, there are other options available depending on the cause and stage of kidney disease. These may include medications, lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and other medical interventions to slow down disease progression and manage symptoms.
Protein Intake: Excessive protein intake can potentially strain the kidneys. However, moderate consumption of protein is generally safe and necessary for overall health. Individuals with kidney disease may need to moderate their protein intake, but for healthy individuals, a balanced diet with adequate protein is important.
Calcium Intake: Excessive calcium intake can contribute to kidney stone formation in some cases, but other factors such as dehydration, certain medical conditions, and dietary habits high in oxalates or sodium can also play a role. Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated are essential for reducing the risk of kidney stone formation.
Dr Syed Sajad said it is important to consult healthcare professionals for personalised advice and guidance on maintaining kidney health and managing any existing kidney conditions.
The doctor also highlighted several common kidney-related health issues that people should be aware of:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Gradual loss of kidney function over time, often caused by conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases.
Kidney Stones: Hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Infections that affect various parts of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, with symptoms such as frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, and fever.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Sudden loss of kidney function, often due to conditions like dehydration, severe infection, or medication toxicity.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Genetic disorder characterized by the growth of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure over time.
Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys, which can be acute or chronic and may result from infections, autoimmune diseases, or other causes.
Hydronephrosis: Swelling of the kidneys due to a buildup of urine caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract.
Kidney Cancer: Renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer, originates in the cells lining the small tubes within the kidneys.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): Chronic high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney disease over time.
Diabetic Nephropathy: Kidney damage caused by diabetes, resulting from high blood sugar levels damaging the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
Dr Sajad said it is important to be aware of these conditions, recognising their symptoms and seeking medical attention if one suspects any kidney-related issues. He stressed maintaining a healthy lifestyle and staying hydrated Regular check-ups and screenings can aid in early detection and management of kidney-related health problems, he added.
