Kidneys are incredible organs that keep you safe by filtering chemicals, waste products, and excess water from your body. India sees over 100,000 patients diagnosed with End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) every year. Also called kidney failure, patients with this condition require dialysis or a transplant to survive and perform regular functions of the body. The most common causes of kidney disease in India in both men and women are diabetes and hypertension. Early detection and treatment of these conditions are essential for maintaining good kidney health. Be proactive about your kidney health, lead a healthy life and be regular with your health checkups.
Your kidneys are fist-sized organs located at the bottom of your rib cage, on both sides of your spine. They serve a variety of purposes apart from filtering waste and making urine. Your kidneys also regulate the pH, salt, and potassium levels in your body and regulate various hormones. They are also responsible for activating a form of vitamin D that helps your body absorb calcium for building bones and regulating muscle function.
Common Kidney Diseases
In India one in ten people have some form of chronic kidney disease. This disorder, where the kidney suffers irreversible damage, has become closely linked with lifestyle-related disorders. Diabetes and hypertension are responsible for more than 60 percent of cases of chronic kidney disease. Here is the list of some common kidney ailments:
- Acute kidney injury
- Chronic kidney disease
- Kidney stones
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Urinary tract infection
- Inherited / congenital diseases
Kidney disease starts silently and progresses slowly over a number of years. Chronic Kidney Disease is divided into 5 stages depending on the degree of the residual renal function. The outcomes and complications worsen as one progresses from stage 1 to stage 5. Timely treatment helps prevent further damage to the kidneys and slows or halts the progression of the disease.
Signs of Kidney Disease
Maintaining kidney health is important to your overall health and general well-being. Here are some symptoms of a kidney disease that need further investigation:
- Feeling tired, having trouble concentrating
- Dry and itchy skin
- Frequent urination
- Having trouble sleeping
- Seeing blood in urine
- Foamy urine
- Puffy eyes and swollen ankles and feet
- Poor appetite
- Muscles cramps
Risk of kidney disease
Knowing if you are at risk for kidney disease is the first step to a healthier life. Find out if you are at risk and work with your doctor to take preventive action. Some of them include:
- Diabetes or Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Family history of kidney failure, diabetes, or high blood pressure
- Obesity
- Age 60 or older
- Low birth weight
- Prolonged use of certain painkillers
- Certain autoimmune disorders
- Chronic urinary tract infections
- Kidney stones
How to keep your kidneys healthy?
Undiagnosed and undetected kidney disease may cause health complications like high blood pressure, anaemia, weak bones, poor nutritional health, and nerve damage. Also, kidney disease increases your risk of having heart and blood vessel disease. Follow these simple health tips every day to keep your kidneys healthy:
1. Stay active
2. Control your blood sugar
3. Monitor blood pressure
4. Monitor your weight
5. Drink plenty of fluids
6. Don’t smoke
7. Eat a healthy diet
8. Have your kidney function tested if you’re at high risk
9. Use herbal supplements with caution
10. Don’t overdo over the counter medicines
Kidney disease treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Specialists at our Department of Nephrology offer comprehensive services to diagnose and treat various kidney disorders. We have Mumbai’s largest dialysis unit, which is equipped with 42 machines and the most advanced technology to support all types of dialysis. We understand the nuances of kidney disease and our Department of Nephrology is equipped to handle critical cases too. Early detection and appropriate treatment are important in slowing the disease process, with the goal of preventing or delaying kidney failure. Our Centre for Transplant has a dedicated kidney team that uses cutting-edge procedures and is backed by a team of highly trained nurses who provide compassionate post-transplant care. The team has successfully performed over 130 kidney transplants in the past. For more information please visit: www.kokilabenhospital.com
