·
The disease
does not have any apparent symptoms until the later stages
·
Those with
underlying conditions should be careful
New Delhi, 19
September 2017: As per a recent study, those who sleep for less
than 6 hours at night may be more vulnerable to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Interrupted sleep or sleep fragmentation was associated with a slightly
elevated risk of developing kidney failure, the study indicated. Those with CKD
also have co-occurring hypertension, obesity and diabetes, most of the times.
As per the IMA, it is important to get the kidney function checked in a person
who has one or more of the ‘high risk’ factors.
CKD is
characterized by a gradual loss of kidney function over time and may eventually
lead to kidney failure, leading patients to undergo dialysis or a kidney
transplant. The signs and symptoms are not noticeable until the disease is
fairly well advanced and the condition has become severe. By this time, most of
the damage is irreversible.
Speaking
about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian
Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI)
and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement,
said, "Kidneys help in filtering out the excess waste and fluid material
from the blood. They can eliminate most of the waste materials that our body
produces. However, when the blood flow to the kidneys is affected, they cannot
work properly. This can happen due to some damage or disease. Problems can
occur even when the urine outflow is obstructed. At an advanced stage of CKD,
dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes, and wastes can build up in the body.
Those with underlying conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure,
cardiovascular disease, abnormal kidney structure, and a family history of the
disease are at more risk. Additionally, those who smoke and are obese can also
be potential candidates for CKD over the longer term.”
Some
symptoms of CKD include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue and
weakness, sleep problems, decreased mental sharpness, muscle twitches and
cramps, edema, persistent itching, chest pain, shortness of breath, and
hypertension that is difficult to control. However, these can be confused with
other ailments.
Adding
further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “Often, there is no cure for CKD. Treatment
usually consists of measures to help control signs and symptoms, reduce
complications, and slow progression of the disease. In case of a severe damage
to the kidneys, a person may need treatment for end-stage kidney disease. At
this point, the doctor will recommend a dialysis or kidney transplant.”
Following
are the 8 golden rules that can prevent someone from kidney failure.
- Keep fit and active, it helps reduce your blood pressure and on the
move for kidney health.
- Keep regular control of your blood sugar level as about half of people
who have diabetes develop kidney damage.
- Monitor your blood pressure. It is also the most common cause of
kidney damage. The normal blood pressure level is 120/80. Between this
level and 129/89, you are considered prehypertensive and should adopt
lifestyle and dietary changes.
- Eat healthy and keep your weight in check as this can help prevent
diabetes, heart disease and other conditions associated with CKD.
Reduce your salt intake. The recommended sodium intake is 5 to 6 grams of
salt per day. In order to reduce your salt intake, try and limit the
amount of processed and restaurant food.
- Maintain a healthy fluid intake. Traditional wisdom has long suggested
drinking 1.5 to 2 liters (3 to 4 pints) of water per day. Consuming plenty
of fluid helps the kidneys clear sodium, urea and toxins from the body
which, in turn, results in a “significantly lower risk” of developing
CKD.
- Do not smoke as it slows the flow of blood to the kidneys. Smoking
also increases the risk of kidney cancer by about 50%.
- Do not take over-the-counter pills on a regular basis: drugs like
ibuprofen are known to cause kidney damage and disease if taken regularly.
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