Tips to Prevent Kidney Diseases: The number of diabetes and high blood pressure patients has reached crores. Both these diseases are spreading rapidly and people of all ages are falling prey to them. Nowadays, lifestyle and eating habits have also deteriorated, which is having a negative impact on health. Many wrong habits have brought us to the brink of serious diseases, of which kidney disease is the most worrying. Kidney diseases often grow silently in the body like silent killers and their symptoms become apparent when the problem has become very serious. In such a situation, if people suffer from high BP and diabetes, they should keep getting their kidneys checked so that diseases can be prevented.
Dr. Upendra Singh, Head of Nephrology Department of Yatharth Hospital, Noida Extension said. That in the last 2-3 years, there has been a continuous increase in the number of patients in kidney related OPD. The most worrying thing is that now kidney diseases are increasing even among people aged 30 to 45 years. Its main reasons are sedentary lifestyle, excessive stress, lack of water in the body and excessive consumption of processed food. The cases of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and kidney stones are being seen the most. CKD is also dangerous because it grows slowly without any noise and the patient does not realize it in the initial stages. Many patients reach the hospital when chronic kidney disease becomes severe.
According to Dr. Upendra, diabetes and high blood pressure are still the biggest risk factors for kidney disease and most of the patients coming to Nephrology OPD have one or both of these problems. Excessive or wrong use of painkillers, taking gym supplements or steroids without doctor’s advice, dehydration and bad lifestyle are also becoming major reasons for kidney damage. Due to late diagnosis, the number of patients requiring dialysis is increasing, which also increases the financial and mental pressure on families. However, it is possible to prevent kidney disease to a great extent.
Dr. BS Solanki, Director and HOD of Nephrology Department of Yatharth Super Specialty Hospital, Model Town, New Delhi, said. That diabetes and high blood pressure are the biggest causes of kidney failure. These two diseases are responsible for approximately 60 to 70% of chronic kidney disease cases. When blood sugar or blood pressure remains uncontrolled in the body, it permanently damages the microscopic blood vessels of the kidneys. Most patients reach the hospital when the disease has reached stage 3, 4 or 5, requiring dialysis or transplant. If it is detected in time, treatment is easy and transplant is not required.
Dr. Solanki said that kidney disease often progresses without symptoms, hence it is very important to understand the signals of the body. If a person feels swelling in the legs or face, there is frequent change in urination or foam is seen, then it can be a sign of kidney problem. Apart from this, constant fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting or sudden uncontrolled blood pressure can also be symptoms of kidney disease. In such a situation, it is important to immediately seek expert advice. Diabetes and BP patients should get kidney function test, creatinine and urine test done regularly. For prevention, drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water a day, reduce salt intake, quit smoking and keep your weight under control. Through a balanced diet and regular exercise, serious conditions like kidney failure and the need for dialysis can be avoided to a great extent.
