Urology

8 Misconceptions about Kidney disease

We have access to unlimited information owing to the digital space, and it gets quite difficult to segregate the facts from myths. If we take a closer look at certain medical conditions, then it is no surprise that people still try our age-old practices to get a cure. Moreover, people never think twice before believing a false statement with no scientific reason. The maximum number of false allegations are associated with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). These need to be cleared to help you achieve healthy well-being and understand the kidney disease symptoms.

Kidneys require more attention   

Kidney overwork, as well as their condition, is overlooked. You need to take care of these bean-shaped paired vital organs of the body. They help to filter out the toxins from your body and maintain the flow of fluids in the body. 

Kidneys help to keep your blood clean, help you stay hydrated, and also regulate various hormone functions. The degradation of these organs leads to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

9th March is celebrated as World Kidney Day to spread global awareness about the importance of kidney function and how to reduce the damage and protect it from daily impact. It is an initiative to debunk the myths associated with kidney treatment, cause and occurrence.

Let’s step into and debunk 8 common myths associated with kidney disease.

Myth 1: Kidney disease doesn’t affect everyone

Kidney disease or kidney stone symptoms is quite common nowadays due to a sedentary lifestyle. Even if a person appears healthy, they might be suffering from some level of kidney disease. 

High blood pressure, aging, diabetes, history of kidney problems running in the family are the potential reasons behind every 1 out of 7 being affected by the disease. So, kidney disease can affect anybody irrespective of caste, sex and race. 

Myth 2: Kidney testing process is time-consuming and costly

After consulting with a kidney specialist, it becomes quite easy to determine the testing process. You might be surprised that the kidney testing process requires two inexpensive tests:

  • Urine test- This helps diagnose the amount of protein in the kidney and shows the sign of kidney damage.
  • Blood test- This test helps determine the GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) number and shows how well the kidney functions.

Myth 3: Kidney diseases can be detected through symptoms 

It is difficult to understand whether a person is affected by kidney disease. There are no specific kidney disease symptoms in the relay stage of the kidney disease. Most people do not even realize that they have a kidney disorder and remain unaware of the condition for years. 

Usually, the symptoms start appearing when the disease reaches its advanced stage. So, it is always advised that if you have high blood pressure, diabetes or any other health issues, opt for a yearly health assessment. 

Myth 4: Kidney disease has no treatment

People think that those who are at risk of kidney disease are not curable. But, you can easily reduce the severity and prevent kidney disease by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and this includes :

  • Regular exercise
  • Eating healthy and nutritious food
  • Ditching the junk and oily food
  • Maintaining blood sugar level and blood pressure
  • Quitting overuse use of painkillers
  • Quitting smoking and drinking. 

These small steps will help to keep your kidney healthy. Moreover, a proper diagnosis at the right time can help to reduce the progression of the severity.

Myth 5: It is still unknown what causes kidney disease

The latest medical facilities have made it possible to understand what can lead to kidney disease. The two common reasons are – high blood pressure and diabetes. Both these diseases have the intensity to damage the tiny blood vessels present in the kidney. Other than these, there are many secondary reasons as well, such as – 

  • Heart disease
  • Polycystic kidney disease
  • Inborn kidney malfunction
  • Glomerulonephritis

Myth 6: Dialysis is the only treatment for kidney disease

Dialysis is required when the disease progresses toward a severe condition or when the patient reaches the last stage of kidney disease. But, if the problem is detected in its early stage, then there are manageable approaches that can reduce the intensity of the disease. 

You must exercise daily, take proper medications after consulting with the medical specialist and maintain a healthy diet. So, if you can stop the condition from getting worse, then you can prevent dialysis as well as the chances of kidney failure. 

Myth 7: Back pain is a clear symptom of kidney disease

Back pain can originate from various reasons, and kidney disease might be one of them. But, a person suffering from pain in the back might not have any sign of kidney damage. So, you must consult the specialist to get a definite result and treatment. 

If there is a blockage of kidney infection symptoms, you might suffer pain in the back that radiates from the flank and spreads to the side. This pain can even be felt when stretched or spread into the groin areas.

Myth 8: Kidney disease can be completely cured

The damages to the kidney are irreversible, and thus it is not curable. Yes, you can slow down the progression of damage to these blood filtration organs, but only if detected at the early stage. You can also try to reduce sodium intake and maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep the disease under check. It usually has a high chance of progressing toward kidney failure.

Chances of getting affected by CKD

Reports show that women suffer from kidney disease more than men. Usually, people above the age of 20, suffering from diabetes, hypertension, or both, can lead to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). 

Can CKD generate diabetes?

Even if you do not have diabetes, chronic kidney disease can lead to its development eventually. The reason is that the kidney helps to break down insulin. But, if the organ is unable to perform, then insulin accumulates in the body over time, leading to high blood sugar levels or diabetes.

How to treat CKD?

Kidney failure has two treatments, dialysis or kidney transplant, which can only be undertaken if the doctor prescribes them. It is true that the treatments to cure Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) are quite limited in most cases. 

Moreover, there are fewer chances to prevent kidney disease, but debunking the myth can help you get health advice without losing time. So, you must always consult with the specialist at ILS Hospitals who are experienced in treating kidney damage and add a kidney protective edge to your prescription.

More Resources:

Nephrology

Warning Signs Of Chronic Kidney Disease

Our body always gives us early warning signs of any serious medical condition, but a majority of people tend to overlook them which leads to critical harmful consequences.

The kidneys are our body’s filtration system. Our body’s biggest ordeal is to be filled with impurities and toxins, which is a consequence of CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease). The thumb rule is, whenever you notice the signs mentioned in this blog, without any delay of a second, consult a good kidney specialist to get the required treatment on time.

First, we will understand the meaning of chronic kidney or renal disease. It is the gradual loss of kidneys to function properly. Progressively, the kidneys stop functioning that leads to accumulation of waste material and toxins in the body.

Now, let’s look at the warning signs of chronic renal disease:

  • Poor Appetite or Appetite loss: It happens due to the build-up of toxins in the body.

  • Nausea and Vomiting: One of the most obvious signs of the chronic renal condition. If the symptom persists, get yourself examined immediately.

  • Proteinuria: Excessive protein (albumin) in the urine causes your urine to have foams and bubbles. It could be a sure indicator of chronic kidney disease.

  • Hematuria: Presence of blood in the urine is a forewarning of your renal dysfunction.

  • Frequent urination: It’s an obvious sign as your kidney does not work properly the way it should, forcing you to make more rounds to the washroom.

  • Muscle cramps: Due to fluid and electrolyte’s imbalances, you will suffer from severe muscle cramps and weaknesses. You will have bitter leg cramps if you’re developing chronic renal disease.

  • Swollen feet: If your ankles and feet are inflated, then, it might hint at chronic kidney disease.

  • Puffy eyes: The eyes become puffy and you get bags under your eyes due to proteinuria.

  • Dry, smelly and itchy skin: If your kidneys cannot filter blood congruously, the collection of waste material makes your skin to have a fetid smell and lose moisture.

  • Insomnia: A body full of toxins is not an ideal one. It is an understandable fact that it is difficult to sleep and relax with a toxic body.

  • Lack of concentration: Blame your contaminated body (a result of potential chronic kidney disease) for decreased attentiveness at school, college and workplace.

If you notice any of the above-mentioned signs, it’s time for you to have a discussion with a good nephrologist. You can come to ILS Hospitals, as we have expert kidney specialists in our team. Timely treatment is the ultimate way to overcome any disease.