Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can have life-changing consequences and is a primary concern in the Indian population today. This is because lifestyle changes, which include improper diet and lack of exercise, cause conditions that were previously seen mainly in the elderly – now, young people are also being affected and affected by these conditions.Also read – World Pulmonary Hypertension Day: How Sleep Apnea Can Lead to Pulmonary Hypertension
According to the National Kidney Foundation, 10% of the world’s population is affected by CKD, and millions die each year because they do not have access to affordable treatment. This is also because treatment with dialysis or kidney transplantation creates a significant financial burden for most people who need it, and many cannot afford it, especially in developing countries. Financial burden and economic inequality are also the main reasons why women (even if they suffer from the same condition, if not more) have worse consequences for the disease. There is a lack of awareness and financial freedom to seek treatment. Also read – Psycho or Shizo? Labels or language? Time to change these pseudo-clinical conditions
In addition, while lifestyle choices can lead to CKD, having a family history puts you at greater risk. People with CKD also have an increased risk of heart related problems such as hypertension and stroke or cardiac arrest. Also read – Vitamin B12 deficiency in children is often overlooked, can lead to anemia, impaired brain development: study
Are women more likely to get CKD?
Although some reports suggest that the incidence of chronic kidney disease is higher in women, the main reason is limited awareness and access to proper care, especially in third world countries. When awareness of the condition is low, it will result in late diagnosis of the disease, and thus produce bad results. Women are also more likely to get kidney disease as they are more likely to get lupus and kidney infections, which increases the number of CKD infections. Word of advice – If a woman is pregnant or planning a pregnancy, it is best to seek expert advice to rule out kidney problems. CKD can complicate the pregnancy process and can sometimes lead to high-risk pregnancies. Sometimes, pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) or pregnancy toxemia leads to CKD.
What are the symptoms of kidney disease and how is it diagnosed?
Although CKD has certain symptoms, even at a later stage, most of them cannot be diagnosed until the condition is quite advanced. However, if a person has been experiencing fatigue, loss of appetite, swelling in the legs or swelling around the eyes for more than a day or two, they should be tested. Early detection and prognosis are the best way to prevent the condition from worsening because when CKD worsens, it can lead to kidney failure and even death.
Kidney disease is detected by various methods. The first is a urine test that detects the presence of albumin protein, as an excess of this type of protein may indicate signs of kidney damage. The second method uses age, sex and blood tests to check creatinine levels because they can measure kidney function and, if any, the extent of kidney damage.
How can a person keep his kidneys healthy?
The best way to prevent chronic kidney disease is to ensure good lifestyle habits. If a person has a pre-existing health condition such as high blood pressure or high blood sugar, he should take steps to control it. Some other helpful tips include:
- Regular exercise and staying active can play an important role not only in maintaining a healthy kidney, but also in controlling your weight, which is essential for good health.
- Control your blood pressure because the extra glucose (sugar) in your blood forces your kidneys to work harder to filter your blood.
- Eat a healthy diet and focus on eating fresh ingredients that are naturally low in sodium and cooked at home.
- Drink water regularly as drinking water regularly is healthy for your kidneys, and it is best to aim for at least 1-2 liters per day.
- Limit and eliminate smoking and alcohol consumption
- Do not take too many OTC drugs, including ibuprofen and naproxen – they can harm the person.
Kidneys, especially when they are taken regularly for chronic pain, headaches or arthritis. If you suffer from these conditions, it is best to consult a doctor so that they can advise you on a coordinated treatment plan with the person’s health and overall well-being.
(Inputs by Dr. Atul Ingle, Nephrologist and Transplant Physician and Director, Department of Nephrology, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi)
