Chronic kidney disease or chronic kidney failure refers to the progressive and irreversible degradation of renal function, in which prevention and early diagnosis are essential for survival.
Local medical statistics show that approximately ten million Indians suffer from chronic kidney disease and that, annually, the number of cases increases by up to 10%. Specialized medical care and timely intervention prevent the need for dialysis and kidney transplant in Delhi.
Causes and risk factors
The kidneys perform the important function of filtering excess residues and fluids from the blood, which are then excreted through the urine. When renal function becomes deficient, large amounts of fluids, electrolytes, and waste accumulate in the body.
In the early stages of chronic kidney disease, the signs and symptoms are indistinguishable. Renal failure presents clinical manifestations when renal function is almost lost, in about 90% of cases, says nephrologist in Delhi.
Among the diseases and medical conditions that can cause chronic kidney disease are:
– type 1 and 2 diabetes;
– high blood pressure;
– glomerulonephritis;
– interstitial nephritis;
– polycystic kidney disease;
– prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract (caused by an enlarged prostate, kidney stones or some types of cancer);
– bladder-urethral reflux;
– pyelonephritis (recurrent kidney infections).
The risk factors that increase the susceptibility to chronic kidney failure are
– diabetes;
– high blood pressure;
– heart disease;
– smoking;
– obesity;
– high cholesterol level;
– heredity;
– age over 65 years.
Prevention of renal failure
The key to preventing or stopping the evolution of chronic kidney disease is early detection of renal dysfunction and aggressive intervention by nephrologist in Delhi, so as to slow the progression of the disease.
Because diabetes and high blood pressure are responsible for two-thirds of the cases of chronic kidney failure, following proper treatment to control these conditions also means a diminished risk of renal function. Even if you have not been diagnosed so far, ask for the following urinalysis.
– Uroculture. Check the level of protein, glucose, and blood in the urine.
– Blood pressure control.
– Blood glucose test.
– Test for creatinine in the blood. It measures the amount of residues resulting from muscle activity. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, the creatinine level increases.
A study published in the specialty journal The American Journal of Kidney Diseases in April 2013 showed that unhealthy eating choices, obesity, and smoking are associated with a significantly increased risk of kidney disease installation.
The researchers mentioned that, unlike genetic predisposition, diet, vices, and overweight are risk factors that can be controlled to prevent the degeneration of renal function. In this regard, best nephrologist in Delhi recommends you
– Reduce your daily sodium intake.
– Avoid eating red meat frequently (diets high in animal protein can be harmful to the kidneys).
– Do not consume sour juices. Many of these beverages contain phosphorus additives, which affect the health of the kidneys.
– Discard processed foods. Potato chips, biscuits, cheese creams, semi-preparations, and sausages are examples of foods rich in phosphorus and salt additives, potentially destructive to kidney function.
– Reduce your sugar intake. The abuse of sweets increases the risk of diabetes and obesity, both associated with kidney disease.
– Consume alcohol in moderation. Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages has important negative effects on the health of the kidneys and their role in maintaining the optimum level of fluids, electrolytes, and acid-base balance.
– Carefully analyze the side effects of medicines. Aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can cause renal dysfunction when administered incorrectly or without the recommendation of a kidney specialist in Delhi.
– Keep your weight under control. Move at least 30 minutes every day and get rid of excess weight, if any.
– Quit smoking.
Prevention of chronic kidney disease in diabetes
One possible and very dangerous complication of diabetes is chronic kidney failure. Since the kidneys are the ones that filter out the blood residues, and diabetes is manifested by too much glucose in the blood, the kidney function is overstimulated. Eventually, the kidneys will no longer be able to fulfill their essential role for survival. Capillary vessels become more porous and begin to escape from residues and proteins that should not be filtered normally reach the urine, says nephrologist in Noida.
High blood pressure affects blood vessels throughout the body, including those that feed the kidneys. Thus, treating elevated blood pressure, which involves quitting smoking, following a dietary diet and regular movement, is essential for the maintenance of renal function, suggests nephrologist in Gurgaon.
Patients with diabetes should undergo at least 3 endocrinological checks per year to monitor urine (microalbuminuria) and creatinine levels in the blood (excess creatinine indicates difficulties with renal function in filtering blood).
Just follow the recommendations of the best kidney specialist in Delhi regarding keeping the glycemic index under control through diet, sports or the administration of insulin or other medicines. Check your blood sugar level regularly!
Call your doctor for kidney in Delhi immediately for the first sign of kidney or bladder infection, such as burning or pain in urine, turbid or redness urine, lower back pain or body tremor.