Kidney Disease: Symptoms, Causes & Prevention

Every year 1 out of 10 people are diagnosed with kidney disease. Kidney disease-associated mortality is increasing, and as per global statistics, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is the 6th fastest-growing cause of death, making it a global public health threat. CKD is a slow and progressive loss of kidney function over time, eventually leading to kidney failure.

Symptoms of kidney disease

Generally, early kidney disease has no symptoms and can be detected by a laboratory test. However, some people may experience symptoms such as:

• Extreme tiredness
• Loss of appetite
• High blood pressure
• Urination problems
• Swelling in legs
• Trouble sleeping
• Dry and itchy skin

Act fast if you experience any of these
symptoms.

Causes of kidney disease

Kidney disease occurs due to impairment in the kidney function, which is caused by uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension, underlying inflammatory kidney diseases, prolonged urinary obstruction, cancers of the prostate, or kidney, and recurrent kidney infection.

Prevention of kidney disease

The development of kidney disease can be reduced by managing the risk factors.

• Keep your blood pressure and sugar level in check if you have a medical history of hypertension or diabetes.
• Get screened for kidney disease regularly.
• Improve your lifestyle changes (consuming a healthy diet and staying physically active)
• Be compliant with your medications as prescribed by your doctor, to manage kidney disease once it is detected.

With early interventions and timely management, it is possible to reduce the impact of kidney diseases and improve clinical outcomes.

Inputs by Dr. Amolkumar Patil, Lead & Senior Consultant, Urology, Kidney Transplant & Robotic Surgery and Dr. Ravindra Nikalji, Senior Consultant, Nephrology, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai.