Srinagar, May 9: Senior urologist Dr Saleem Wani on Saturday said diabetes and hypertension have emerged as the leading causes of kidney failure in Kashmir, while warning that smoking, substance abuse and delayed diagnosis are contributing to the growing burden of kidney and bladder-related diseases in Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr Wani said uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension are the primary reasons behind rising kidney failure cases, followed by stone diseases and other structural disorders affecting kidneys, ureters and bladder.
“Diabetes and hypertension are lifestyle diseases and are the number one causes of kidney failure. If these diseases are kept under control and lifestyle modifications are adopted, there are high chances of preventing complications,” he said.
He stressed the importance of effective glycaemic control, blood pressure regulation and salt restriction to reduce the risk of kidney damage.
“The diabetes treatment should be done under proper medical supervision. Patients should keep their blood pressure under control and follow dietary precautions,” he advised.
Dr Wani said the long-term effects of uncontrolled diabetes often damage multiple organs, including the kidneys, eyes and heart, adding that patients should regularly consult nephrologists, ophthalmologists and cardiologists for timely monitoring.
“After several years, diabetes starts affecting the kidneys, eyes and heart simultaneously; therefore, regular check-ups become very important,” he said.
The urologist expressed concern over the increasing trend of cigarette smoking and substance abuse among youth in Kashmir, saying both are becoming major public health threats. “Smoking and substance abuse go side by side and become the cause of very dangerous diseases,” he said, while urging people to support anti-drug campaigns and avoid tobacco use.
Linking smoking directly with bladder cancer, Dr Wani said cigarette smoking remains the single biggest risk factor behind the disease.
“We treat and operate many patients, but even after treatment, some continue smoking, because of which the toxic effects remain in the body and the disease progresses further,” he said.
He stressed that early diagnosis remains the key to cancer prevention and treatment, saying awareness about symptoms is essential for timely detection.
“The symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in urine and a burning sensation during urination. If a smoker notices blood in urine, he should immediately consult a doctor as it can be an early sign of cancer,” he said.
On consumption of traditional Kashmiri Nun Chaai (salt tea), Dr Wani clarified that salt does not directly cause diabetes but can worsen hypertension and related complications, particularly among chronic patients.
He cautioned against cross-practice between different systems of medicine, saying doctors should prescribe only those medicines and treatments in which they are professionally trained.
“I am an allopathic doctor. I have studied allopathic medicine, and I will only speak about that. One should avoid prescribing medicines of systems they have neither studied nor fully understand,” Dr Wani said. “Awareness, timely diagnosis, specialist consultation and lifestyle modification remain key to reducing the growing burden of kidney and bladder-related diseases in Jammu and Kashmir.” (KNO)
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