Doctor explains the two main reasons for kidney diseases
People are likely to develop kidney failure in areas where drinking water contains trace amounts of salt.
People are likely to develop kidney failure in areas where drinking water contains trace amounts of salt.
People are likely to develop kidney failure in areas where drinking water contains trace amounts of salt.
The world is reeling from the impacts of global warming, though nations have been collectively trying to mitigate its environmental impacts. Do you know that rising temperatures also affect our kidneys? Dr Aby Abraham, Director, Nephrology and Renal Transplant Services at the VPS Lakeshore Hospital, Kochi, explains what CKD, kidney disease symptoms and more.
More than 850 million people across the globe suffer from some kind of kidney disease. Meanwhile, Chronic Kidney Disease is a major healthcare challenge that affects one in ten people. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long–term condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. As CKD has become a global health issue, creating awareness on multiple facets is inevitable.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are two of the main reasons for kidney diseases. Symptoms often do not appear until the disease becomes severe. So, it is crucial to undergo tests to diagnose the disease. Starting the treatment at the earliest would slow down kidney disease and may even prevent heart attack and complete kidney failure.
Kidney health
The kidneys are vital organs that maintain our body’s internal balance by removing waste/toxic products, regulating body fluids, balancing electrolytes, regulating blood pressure and filtering up to 50 gallons of blood every day. The number of kidney disease cases could be reduced by raising awareness of the importance of the kidneys in maintaining our overall health and well-being.
In most cases, CKD is diagnosed when blood and urine tests are done for other reasons. Early stages of CKD do not show any symptoms, but may cause swelling in the feet, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, confusion and difficulty breathing when it gets severe. Haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation are some of the treatment options generally adopted in cases of Chronic Kidney Disease. If a matching donor is available, then kidney transplantation is the most effective method.
Prevention is always better than cure, so CKD could be prevented to a certain extent by screening at regular intervals. Meanwhile, CKD could be prevented by regulating blood sugar, controlling BP, losing weight, and following a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, it is important to consume enough fluids to keep your body hydrated and healthy. CKD patients are often advised to give up smoking. CKD patients and those who are at a higher risk of developing kidney diseases should avoid non – steroidal anti – inflammatory medicines like pain killers that may adversely affect kidney health.
Kidney health and environment
Environmental factors such as air pollution, heavy metal exposure, extreme heat, and polluted water sources directly affect kidney health through oxidative stress, inflammation, and reduced blood flow. These factors gradually lead to Chronic Kidney Disease. People are likely to develop kidney failure in areas where drinking water contains trace amounts of salt (such as coastal regions). Rising temperatures, especially in coastal regions and among farming communities, increase the risk of Acute Kidney Injury and Chronic Kidney Disease, as they are often linked to dehydration and saltwater encroachment. Studies show that a rise in pollution leads to a 31 per cent increase in the chance of kidney diseases. Having constant contact with hard metals, cadmium, lead and mercury, as well as polluted soil, is a major reason for Acute Kidney Injury.
Summer and kidneys
The body comprises 60 per cent water. So, insufficient water intake leads to dehydration and kidney disease. It is important to ensure that you drink enough water to stay hydrated. Light greyish urine, the absence of thirst, and healthy skin are some signs of sufficient hydration. Those who work in dry, hot weather and engage in hard physical activity should drink plenty of water.
Kidney disease gets worse if you are dehydrated. So, everyone should ensure they drink enough water to stay hydrated. Pure drinking water, buttermilk, or rice water are some healthy options for optimal hydration. Meanwhile, soft drinks, fruit juices and beer cause severe dehydration.