Kidney Health: Common Diseases, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips

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🩺 Kidney Health: Common Diseases, Symptoms, and Prevention Tips

The kidneys are a pair of vital organs located on either side of the spine just below the rib cage. Their main function is to filter waste materials from the blood and pass them out as urine. They also regulate blood pressure, water and mineral balance, and contribute to healthy blood and bone function.

Globally, 10% of the population is affected by kidney diseases. In India, about 14% of women and 12% of men are suffering from kidney conditions — a number that’s growing rapidly.

📅 World Kidney Day is observed annually on the second Thursday of March to raise awareness for kidney health and prevention strategies. Visit: worldkidneyday.org

🩹 Common Kidney Diseases

  • Chronic Kidney Failure (CKD)
  • Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
  • Kidney Stones
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

⚙️ Functions of the Kidney

Kidneys are responsible for:

  • Filtering toxins and waste from the blood
  • Producing urine to excrete waste
  • Regulating fluid, salt, and electrolyte balance
  • Producing hormones like erythropoietin for red blood cells
  • Maintaining bone health via vitamin D metabolism

🚨 Early Symptoms of Kidney Problems

  • Swelling in feet and under eyes
  • Fatigue and breathlessness while walking
  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Blood or foam in urine
  • Poor appetite and indigestion
  • Anemia and pale skin

🧪 Signs of Kidney Damage

  • Water retention and swelling
  • High blood pressure
  • Bone pain and fractures
  • Accumulation of toxins
  • Increased risk of heart failure
  • Complications with nephrotoxic medications

🧬 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

CKD is a progressive and silent condition that often shows symptoms in later stages, including:

  • Scant urination or frequent urination at night
  • Unusual taste in mouth
  • Vomiting, nausea, and weight loss
  • Fatigue and inflammation
  • High or fluctuating blood pressure

👨‍⚕️ When to Consult a Doctor

Consult a nephrologist if you have:

  • High blood pressure or diabetes
  • Family history of kidney disease
  • Frequent urinary tract infections
  • Kidney stones or visible symptoms in urine

Your doctor may recommend baseline tests like:

  • Serum creatinine, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
  • Urine analysis
  • Kidney ultrasound or CT scan

💉 Diabetes and Kidney Disease

Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny blood vessels inside the kidneys — especially the nephrons. This leads to protein leakage in urine (proteinuria) and impaired filtration.

Diabetics often develop high blood pressure, which further accelerates kidney damage. Regular monitoring is essential, even in the absence of symptoms.

🛡️ Prevention Tips for Diabetic Kidney Health

  • Control blood sugar levels strictly
  • Monitor blood pressure regularly
  • Follow a low-sodium, low-fat diet
  • Maintain a healthy weight and exercise
  • Avoid over-the-counter painkillers

💧 General Tips for Kidney Health

  • Stay hydrated — drink at least 2–3 liters of water daily
  • Avoid alcohol and smoking
  • Don’t ignore UTI or bladder infection symptoms
  • Get annual kidney function tests if you have risk factors
  • Read more: How Kidneys Work – NIDDK

📌 Related Health Posts

💬 Final Thoughts

Our kidneys silently work round the clock to keep us healthy. Protecting them begins with awareness, regular screening, and a balanced lifestyle. Prevention is always better than cure — especially when it comes to kidney disease.

– B. N. Mallick

Retired Officer

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