World Kidney Day: Doctors say hypertension, diabetes are kidneys’ principal enemies

Srinagar, Mar 07: On the eve of world kidney day, the doctors raised concern over the rapid increase in kidney ailments caused principally by hypertension and diabetes.
The world kidney day is observed on March 8 every year. This year’s theme, given by ISN and IFKF, is ‘Kidneys and Women’s Health’.
The theme has been chosen in view of the fact that kidney diseases are currently the 8th leading cause of deaths in women, killing 6,00,000 of them every year.
It has also been found that Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), a worldwide phenomenon, affects approximately 195 million women worldwide.
The risk of developing CKD is at least as high in women as in men, and may even be higher.
According to some studies, CKD is more likely to develop in women compared to men, with an average 14% prevalence in women and 12% in men
However, the number of women on dialysis is lower than men.
Dr Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, Head of the Department (HoD) of Nephrology, at SK Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), said kidney diseases have been increasing due to the changes in lifestyle.
Terming hypertension and diabetes as major reasons for kidney diseases, he stressed on the timely treatment of these ailments.
“If the reading exceeds normal range, medication should be started. Adequate water should be taken to avoid kidney diseases. Self-medication can also lead to kidney diseases,” he said.
Dr Baldev Singh, former HoD Urology at SKIMS, said that in his tenure, he found 60% of patients suffering from kidney diseases were from Kupwara and Bandipora.
“I might be because of the water they consume. The water might contain more calcium content. Hard labour can also be the reason, as it results in sweat and dehydration, leading to precipitation of crystals and then to the formation of stones,” he said.
Singh, who served at SKIMS for 27 years and is presently practicing at the Ramzana Hospital, said Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) has involved many people in the Valley.
“In case of CRF, the patient has to go for replacement therapy or dialysis. Diabetes is the main reason, followed by hypertension. People usually don’t take medicines for these diseases,” he said.
“An initial condition leads to the start of chronic renal disease and subsequently to chronic renal failure. The patient has to undergo transplantation or dialysis.”
“Regular checkups, hypertension control, and early detection, control of diabetes is necessary to remain away from the kidney diseases. A normal person should take 2-3 litres of water per day in normal weather, so that urine output is adequate. Person suffering from kidney disease should take small quantities of protein and salt.”
He said electrolyte imbalance and anaemia also lead to kidney diseases, if not detected at an appropriate time.
Dr Khurshid Banday, a renowned Nephrologist, commenting on this year’s theme, said it has been found that women come across hypertension and urinary tract infection, which can lead to kidney diseases.
“Rampant causes are hypertension and self-medication. Blood pressure is known as a silent killer. It should be treated in the first instance and monitored regularly,” he said.