Kidney failure cases register alarming spurt

Hyderabad: Kidney failure is turning out to be a major public health concern with alarming rise in the incidence. Current estimates indicate that kidney failure afflicts 1 in every 10 persons from the general populace. The after effects of kidney failure are as devastating with gradual deterioration of several other systems in the body.

The risk factors which can cause kidney failure are Diabetes, High blood pressure, Cardio vascular disease, Stone disease, Family history of kidney disease, Smoking, Overweight and 65 years of age and older said Dr S Krishnan, senior consultant, Apollo Hospitals, Secunderabad during a lecture delivered to Public Gardens Walkers Association on Sunday.
Some of the key points he elaborated upon were:

Kidney disease usually impacts both the kidneys. If the kidneys' ability to filter the blood is seriously damaged by disease, wastes and excess fluid may build up in the body. Several forms of kidney disease do not produce symptoms until late in the course of the disease. However, there are six warning signs of kidney disease, which are apart from the risk factors mentioned earlier.

The signs are Blood and/or protein in the urine; a creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) blood level, outside the normal range; a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) less than 60, which is a measure of kidney function; frequent urination, particularly at night; difficult or painful urination and puffiness around eyes, swelling of hands and feet.

If the patient has any of these symptoms, he needs to discuss the issue with his doctor.
The wastes generated in the body through breakdown of muscle tissues and food are excreted by the kidneys. When the kidneys do not function as well as they should, these wastes start building up in the body and that can be dangerous.

They can also make us feel sick. It is therefore important to restrict the foods that have high amounts of such substances. High protein especially animal proteins, potassium, sodium, phosphorus and fluids should be regulated. A doctor or a dietician can guide on this.

Kidney disease can be found through lab tests or by symptoms. High blood levels of creatinine and urea nitrogen (BUN) or high levels of protein in your urine suggest kidney disease. Diabetics should have a yearly urine test for microalbumin, small amounts of protein that don't show up on standard urine protein test.

One should remember that maintaining a good healthy life style, proper control of all the risk factors mentioned, avoiding harmful drugs especially over the counter medicines without proper medical advice and diligently following the doctor’s advice, can help prevent major problems in the kidneys.