In a world of information overload, where naive people pretend to be experts and make myths sound totally believable, you need someone to bust them with evidence. Here are some common myths about kidney diseases busted to help you learn the facts.
What does your kidney do, and what happens when one has kidney disease?
We are born with 2 kidneys, located on either side of the spine, above our waist. They act as filters and cleanse our blood by removing excess water and toxins. They also help control blood pressure and keep bones healthy. When our kidneys are damaged, they cannot filter well. It results in dangerous levels of waste product buildup. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, the condition can turn life-threatening.
1. Kidney disease is not a serious condition.
According to a recent report from Financial Express, about 10% of the Indian adult population suffers from some form of kidney disease, and about 2,00,000 people get affected every year. With the pandemic and new virus variants taking centrestage, unfortunately, 90% of people suffering from renal issues die due to delayed diagnosis or lack of access to care. Kidney diseases, acute and chronic, can interfere with your kidney’s ability to filter waste and fluid. If the condition goes undiagnosed over time, your kidneys may stop working and fail.
2. Chronic kidney diseases (CKD) are rare and if you have one, you will notice symptoms.
Anyone can get kidney disease at any age. Yes, kidney diseases are no longer rare. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney diseases, or are older (above 60 years), you pose an increased risk or might be suffering from one. The early stages of the disease don’t show any visible signs. When symptoms start appearing, chances are that the disease has reached an advanced stage. Getting tested by a kidney specialist in Chennai is the best option if you fall into the high-risk bracket
3. Kidney stones are the reason behind all kidney diseases.
Also called renal calculi, kidney stones are small mineral or salt stones formed inside your kidneys. Passing one can be quite painful. While obesity, diet, certain medication and supplements are the primary causes of kidney stones, they are not related to renal diseases. After the occurrence of the first stone, if you shy away from making necessary lifestyle changes, you pose an increased risk of having another one. Recurring stones can be bigger and block urine flow, causing infections. As a result you may need kidney stone treatment in Chennai from a reputable hospital
4. Consuming heavy amounts of water can help ward off kidney diseases.
There is no medical proof yet. Increased water consumption does flush out chemicals via urine and helps prevent kidney stones & urinary tract infections. But in a trial conducted with 630 patients suffering from stage-3 CKD, who had lost over 40-70% of their kidney function, the results proved otherwise. Increased fluid consumption for one year did not slow the loss of kidney function or the occurrence of kidney diseases.
5. All kidney diseases result in either kidney transplant or dialysis.
No. While an end-stage renal disease (ESRD) demands a kidney transplant or dialysis, the early stages are manageable and curable. Not all kidney diseases need dialysis. Consuming a healthy, balanced diet can keep your pressure & diabetes under control and lower your symptoms of kidney diseases.
Chronic kidney diseases are progressive and incurable, but not the end of the road. With dietary restrictions, medications, routine follow-ups and learning the facts, you can keep the condition in check.