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Chronic Kidney Disease, A Silent Killer Affects Around 10 percent of Indian Population And Every Year Over One Lakh Renal Failures Are Reported

Kidney diseases often develop silently, making early detection crucial. Ignoring warning signs can lead to severe complications, so staying aware is essential. In India, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is commonly observed in people with diabetes – with studies suggesting almost one in two people with diabetes, suffer with CKD. Unfortunately, CKD is underdiagnosed. The kidneys play a vital role in acting as filters by removing waste and extra fluids from the body and by keeping blood pressure under control but as per reports, it is estimated that one in eight Indians experience chronic kidney disease – a health condition where one’s kidney function is impaired gradually. Rising cases of chronic kidney disease take a toll not only on patients but also on the healthcare system. Hence, there is a clear need to address this challenge by promoting CKD screening, so it can be identified at an early stage enabling earlier treatment and management, which may slow or regress the progression of the condition.

Dr Hrushikesh Vaidya, Medical Director and Chairman, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “Around 10 per cent of the Indian population suffers from chronic kidney disease, and every year over one lakh cases of renal failure are reported. Kidneys, the two bean-shaped organs located in the lower back, are responsible for a variety of essential functions. Their primary role is to filter waste, toxins, and excess fluids from the blood, which are then excreted through urine. They also help regulate blood pressure, balance electrolytes, produce red blood cells, and support bone health. Despite their importance, kidney diseases often go unnoticed until they reach an advanced stage. With symptoms remaining silent until nearly 90 percent of kidney function is lost, many people are unaware of the damage until it’s too late. When kidney function declines, toxins accumulate in the body, leading to serious health complications.”

Dr Ria Vaidya, CEO, Horizon Group of Hospitals said “The kidneys are often taken for granted, but they serve as the body’s natural filtration system. A healthy kidney ensures that your body remains free of harmful waste. Keeping your kidneys healthy is crucial for your overall well-being. Kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste from your blood, balancing fluids, and regulating electrolytes. Identifying the early signs of kidney disease can lead to effective treatment and better health outcomes.”

Dr Sameer Vyahalkar, Leading Nephrologist and Consultant, Horizon Prime Hospital said “Awareness and early screening can prevent Chronic Kidney Disease and End-Stage Renal Disease. The demand for dialysis and waiting list for a kidney transplant are alarming. Diabetes and hypertension are the two main primary causes that leads to Chronic Kidney Disease. Controlling these factors, can help prevent Chronic Kidney Disease. Around 31 percent of all Chronic Kidney Disease cases are estimated to be caused by diabetes. Early detection of kidney disease can make a significant difference in how the disease progresses and can also prevent complications. Routine blood and urine tests can reveal abnormalities in kidney function before symptoms become evident. Even if you don’t have kidney disease, we as nephrologists can manage conditions related to kidney health, such as high blood pressure or kidney stones. Proper management can prevent these conditions from progressing to kidney disease. Identifying kidney problems early allows for interventions that can slow down or even halt disease progression. This might involve lifestyle changes, medications, or dietary adjustments.”

Early Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Recognizing early signs of kidney disease can significantly improve the chances of managing the condition effectively. Dr Sameer Vyahalkar lists down some of the key symptoms to watch out for:

• Frequent urination : Early kidney damage can lead to changes in urination patterns. A need to urinate more frequently can be a symptom of kidney disease, especially if this increased urge occurs more often at night. Some people may notice an increase in the frequency of urination, especially at night (nocturia). The damaged kidneys struggle to filter urine properly, causing you to feel the need to urinate more often, even if the amount of urine passed is not large. This can also lead to dehydration and further strain on the kidneys. For men, increased urination can also be a sign of other conditions, such as enlarged prostate, so patients should talk to their doctor to determine the cause.
• Foamy or bloody urine : Healthy kidneys prevent protein and blood cells from leaking into the urine. When kidneys are damaged, protein (mainly albumin) can escape into the urine, causing it to become frothy or foamy, similar to the appearance of beaten egg whites. When protein isn’t filtered out of the urine, it can make urine look foamy and full of bubbles. Sometimes patients may even need to flush several times for the bubbles to go away. Patients should talk to their doctor if they notice this, as excessive protein in urine is a key sign of kidney disease. The presence of blood in the urine (haematuria) is another alarming sign of kidney damage, which can occur due to leaking of red blood cells from the filtering units. This may cause urine to appear pink, red, or cola-coloured.
• Swelling : Swelling can be a symptom of many things, including heart disease, so patients should alert their doctor if they notice sudden swelling of their lower extremities. One cause could be impaired kidney function, which can cause excess sodium levels. Kidneys help remove excess fluid from your body. When they aren’t functioning properly, you might notice swelling in your legs, ankles, feet, or face due to fluid retention.
• Fatigue : Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin that helps produce red blood cells. When kidney function declines, the production of this hormone decreases, leading to anaemia and causing fatigue. Anaemia goes hand-in-hand with kidney disease and can cause unexplained fatigue and feelings of weakness. Increased waste levels in the blood can also make it difficult to concentrate and make patients feel constantly tired.
• Shortness of Breath : Fluid retention from kidney failure can also affect the lungs, causing shortness of breath. This happens because excess fluid may accumulate in the lungs (pulmonary edema), making it difficult to breathe. Additionally, kidney failure often leads to anaemia (due to low red blood cell production), which means that the body has less oxygen-carrying capacity, contributing to breathlessness and a feeling of being constantly out of breath, even during mild activities.
• Persistent Itching : Removing waste from the blood helps the body maintain its necessary balance of minerals and nutrients. Waste build-up in the bloodstream can cause severe itching that doesn’t seem to go away. When accompanied by other symptoms, skin that is dry and itchy can indicate a mineral and bone disease that sometimes comes with advanced kidney disease.
• Nausea and Vomiting :As the kidneys lose their ability to eliminate waste and toxins, these substances begin to build up in the bloodstream. Toxins accumulating in your body due to poor kidney function can lead to feelings of nausea and vomiting. This accumulation, known as uraemia, can lead to nausea, vomiting, and a general loss of appetite. These digestive issues are common in the early stages of kidney failure and can lead to unintended weight loss. The body struggles to process food, resulting in feelings of fullness or aversion to certain foods.
• Loss of Appetite :A decreased appetite is another symptom that might indicate a decline in kidney health. While decreased appetite can be a symptom of many conditions, waste build-up in the bloodstream often causes patients to feel less hungry.
• Muscle cramps:If the kidneys aren’t filtering properly, the blood may not have the correct electrolyte levels. This can cause muscle cramps.
• Puffy eyes:Protein in the urine, caused by decreased kidney function, can cause the eyes to appear puffy.
• Difficulty sleeping:Increased waste levels in the blood can make it more difficult to sleep. Sleep apnoea is also more common in individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease.
• High blood pressure : Kidneys help regulate blood pressure by controlling fluid levels and the balance of electrolytes like sodium and potassium. When the kidneys are damaged, they may retain excess sodium, leading to fluid retention and increased blood volume, which in turn raises blood pressure. High blood pressure is both a cause and symptom of kidney disease. If left uncontrolled, it can lead to further kidney damage, creating a vicious cycle of worsening kidney function.

The Final Takeaway

People are often reluctant to see a kidney specialist, but when your primary care doctor refers you to a nephrologist, there’s a reason. Nephrologists don’t just diagnose kidney disease; their aim is to determine the seriousness of any issues and manage them effectively. Understanding and identifying the early signs of kidney disease can be lifesaving. Regular check-ups and early detection play a vital role in managing kidney health effectively. Don’t ignore subtle symptoms – they could be the key to catching a potential kidney issue early. Prioritize your kidney health today to ensure a healthier tomorrow. Early detection is crucial for managing kidney disease effectively. Schedule a check-up with your healthcare provider to discuss any symptoms or concerns. Horizon Prime Hospital has the best Nephrologists team to take care of your kidney related issues.