Kidney Disease Prevention: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Awareness is Key to Curing Kidney Complications

850 million people worldwide suffer from chronic kidney disease, of which 2.4 million people die each year. Globally, 1 in 10 people, and in Bangladesh, 1 in 7 people, are affected by kidney disease. The prevalence of kidney disease is increasing daily due to various reasons. However, with a little awareness, we can keep our kidneys healthy.

The kidneys manage blood flow in the human body. The kidneys contain about one million components called nephrons, which filter waste and harmful substances from the blood and expel them from the body through urine. Additionally, the kidneys perform other vital functions such as controlling blood pressure, producing or assisting in the production of various hormones, aiding in the production of blood cells, and maintaining healthy bones. Therefore, if the kidneys are not healthy, these functions are disrupted, leading to physical complications.

The majority of kidney patients also have diabetes. Uncontrolled and long-term diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure. High blood pressure is another cause. It is also a silent killer, much like diabetes. Kidney complications such as Glomerulonephritis and Polycystic Kidney Disease can cause high blood pressure. Consequently, while searching for the cause of high blood pressure, an underlying kidney disease might be detected. On the other hand, dehydration can lead to kidney failure. Common causes of dehydration include diarrhea, vomiting, etc.

Furthermore, excessive heat, burns, significant blood loss, etc., can cause the body to lose a lot of salt and water. This leads to dehydration and increases the risk of kidney failure. A family history of kidney disease can also predispose someone to kidney problems. Additionally, holding in urine, malnutrition, smoking, and excessive or incorrect medication can damage the kidneys. Typically, until 70-80% of kidney function is lost or fails, the symptoms of the disease are not noticeable.

However, symptoms like burning during urination, frequent urination, red-colored urine, foul-smelling urine, pain on both sides of the lower back and lower abdomen, and swelling of the body or face are signals of kidney disease. If these problems appear, one must quickly seek a doctor's advice. If the disease does not resolve within three months of treatment, it is considered chronic kidney disease (CKD). Diabetes, high blood pressure, and nephritis (various kidney problems) are responsible for kidney failure or risk in about 80% of patients.

In our country, kidney disease is now being diagnosed with modern methods, and world-class treatment and consultation are available. Besides CT scans, MRI, and kidney biopsies, modern diagnostic methods such as Urine Routine Examination (URE), Urine Albumin, Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR), Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), and KUB area ultrasound are used to diagnose kidney disease.

Although the treatment for kidney disease is somewhat expensive, with a little awareness, it is possible to prevent this risk in 50-60% of cases. Drinking sufficient water, getting an annual kidney check-up, controlling diabetes and high blood pressure, avoiding medication without a doctor's advice, avoiding unhealthy and adulterated food, and regular walking and physical exercise greatly help in keeping the kidneys healthy and preventing the risk of disease.

A complex kidney disease is CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease), which is somewhat more serious compared to other conditions. In this case, the first thing to do is to abandon an abnormal lifestyle, be as cautious as possible, take medication on time, and try to stay physically and mentally healthy. Additionally, keep high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, etc., under control. If the condition of CKD becomes severe (Stage 5), dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary. Therefore, ensuring extra care and staying aware during this time is very important.