Story
1. Myth 1: Kidney disease is a rare condition
Fact: 17 in 100 people have a kidney disease in India
2. Myth 2: You will know if you have kidney disease
Facts:
- No, it can be silent!
- Most people who have kidney disease may not know it and may feel completely fine
- In the early stages of kidney disease, most people do not have any symptoms or very mild symptoms which can be neglected
- Best way to find out: Get tested regularly
- Because if detected earlier there are many steps you can take to reduce the progression of the disease
3. Myth 3: Kidney Disease is Only an Old Person’s Problem
Facts:
No, it can affect anyone at any age, including children, and is often linked to common conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
There are many other conditions which can affect the kidneys at a younger age and hence, its important that these are detected early
4. Myth 4: Testing for kidney disease is a long and costly process
Facts:
Simple three steps
a) Check Blood Pressure
b) Urine routine and microscopy: to check for protein in your urine: Having a small amount of protein in your urine can be a sign of kidney disease
c) Blood test: Serum creatinine, serum electrolytes : Tells you how well your kidneys are working
Who should test and when to test???
Those with the following:
| Diabetes |
| High blood pressure or Hypertension |
| Heart disease |
| Family history of kidney failure, diabetes, or high blood pressure |
| Obesity (BMI >30kg/m2) |
| >60 years |
| History of low birth weight <2.5kg |
| Kidney stones |
| Urinary tract infection |
| Prolonged use of non-allopathic drugs |
| If none of the above, check once a year especially >30 years |
| Any visit to the doctor (children or adults) for any other illness |
| If normal results, repeat once in a year If abnormal, repeat as suggested by your doctor |
5. Myth 5: No one knows what causes kidney disease
Facts:
- The two most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure
- Both can harm your kidneys by causing damage tothe tiny blood vessels in your kidneys
- There are many other diseases which affect the kidney which can be discussed with your Nephrologist
- Google can do you mental harm: always make a list of doubts / questions for your Nephrologist
6. Myth 6: If you are at risk for kidney disease, there is nothing you can do about it
Facts:
Not everyone who is at risk will get kidney disease You can help protect your kidneys
- Eat healthy
- Stay well hydrated
- Exercise regularly
- Limit salt, processed foods
- Control blood pressure and blood sugar
- Do not SKIP your medications
- Quit smoking
- Don’t overuse pain medications like ibuprofen and non-allopathic drugs
- All these steps will help you keep your kidneys healthy and lessen your chances of getting kidney disease
7. Myth 7: You can’t lead a normal life with only one kidney
Facts:
You can live a perfectly normal, healthy life with just one kidney
One healthy kidney is capable of filtering enough blood to support your entire body with adequate preventive and precautionary measures
8. Myth 8: “Natural” or herbal remedies are safer for kidneys
Facts:
Many unregulated herbal supplements contain toxins or heavy metals that are extremely harmful to the kidneys
Always consult your Nephrologist before starting any supplement if you have kidney concerns
9. Myth 9: I should be drinking 5-6L of water to protect my kidneys?
Facts:
Kidneys are not water tanks, it does not like creating a swimming pool, they seek balance with adequate hydration.
So, drink when thirsty: more in heat or exercise, too little is also bad
10. Myth 10: The only treatment for kidney disease is dialysis
Facts:
Not everyone with kidney disease needs dialysis
- Kidney disease is a progressive disease
- Early stages, it is usually managed with exercise, diet, and medications
- With this approach, most people can slow or stop the progression of kidney disease and enjoy a normal lifestyle
- That’s why it’s so important to find and treat kidney disease early
- Dialysis or a kidney transplant is only needed if your kidney disease gets worse and progresses to kidney failure
Dr. Ankita D Patil
MBBS, MD General Medicine, DM Nephrology
Consultant – Nephrologist & Transplant Physician
