Did you know kidney disease affects 1 in 10 people globally?
850 million people worldwide are living with incapacitating kidney diseases with a surging number of newly diagnosed cases every year. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a matter of public health concern as it causes significant morbidity and mortality. It accounted for 1.4 million deaths globally in the year 2019. Over 175,000 people in India undergo dialysis or kidney transplant every year.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
CKD is a progressive loss of kidney function over time [months to years]. Each kidney has millions of nephrons that filter wastes, toxins, and excess fluids from blood which are removed through the urine. Kidneys also control the levels of water and minerals in the body and play an essential role in the production of vitamin D, red blood cells, and hormones that regulate blood pressure.
The kidneys, once damaged, filter the waste slowly which may lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body, alter the electrolyte and fluid balance, and may lead to serious health problems.
Stages of Kidney Failure
Chronic Kidney Disease - A silent killer
It is called a silent killer because CKD develops gradually over time and a person doesn't show any concerning signs and symptoms until the disease has reached the late stage from where there is no coming back.
If some of the nephrons get damaged, healthy nephrons take over the extra work and the person remains unaware of the progressive damage, which can eventually lead to kidney failure.
What are the causes of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Long-standing or Uncontrolled diabetes [High sugar damages the tiny blood vessels of the kidney], chronic interstitial disease [Inflammation of the kidney's tubules and surrounding structures], and Hypertension [High blood pressure puts strain on small vessels of the kidney] are the major causes of chronic kidney diseases in Indians. Other factors that may contribute to kidney damage are:
- Recurrent kidney infection, obstruction of the urinary tract [stones, cancer, enlarged prostrate]
- Kidney diseases such as Glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis, polycystic kidney disease, etc.
- Heart disease [heart is not able to pump enough blood to kidneys]
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Family history of kidney disease
What are the symptoms of CKD?
The early chronic kidney disease does not show any signs and symptoms. The advanced disease may present with:
- Excessive tiredness/Feeling sick
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen ankles, feet, or hands
- Nausea/Vomiting, Loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Blood in Urine
- Frequent urination especially at night
Management of Chronic Kidney Disease
Symptomatic relief, treatment of underlying conditions, and medications to stop the progression of kidney damage remain the mainstay of treatment since there is no cure for CKD. Kidney Replacement therapy [Dialysis and transplantation] is needed in patients with advanced stages of the disease. However, kidney disease can be treated and managed effectively if it is diagnosed through simple blood and urine tests, in the early stages.
Tips to keep kidneys healthy
Conscious efforts and disciplined self-care are needed to keep the kidneys healthy.
1. Diet and Lifestyle:
- Have a healthy balanced diet:
- A low salt [not more than 5 gm per day] diet is recommended to keep a check on blood pressure
- Avoid refined /processed food and excessive sugar
- A low protein diet is usually recommended in people with early kidney disease to stop worsening
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water
- Stay physically active to maintain body weight and blood pressure
- Avoid Smoking and limit excessive alcohol consumption
2. Take prescribed medicines regularly for underlying conditions. Avoid taking painkillers /anti-inflammatory tablets regularly, as they are harmful to the kidneys.
3. Get regular checkups and tests done
- Know the state of blood glucose [Blood sugar, HbA1c]: Diabetics usually develop kidney damage if blood sugar is not tightly controlled
- Kidney function tests (Blood and urine tests), especially in high-risk people [Diabetes, Hypertension, Obesity, Family history of kidney disease]
- Get serum cholesterol levels and maintain them to avoid the development of the cardiovascular disease that may impair kidney health.
- Regular blood pressure checkups to keep it under control
If your tests results are not in the normal range, talk to a doctor at DocOnline immediately for assistance. At DocOnline, you can get a high-quality medical consultation from our experienced doctors, order lab tests online and order medicines that can be delivered to your doorstep. Follow the tips to reduce the risk of developing the disease, prevent the progression of kidney damage and improve quality of life in CKD.
