10% of Indian population is affected by Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) : Dr Purohit

Bhopal/New Delhi: 10% of Indian population is affected by Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and it may be 5th leading cause of death in India soon. 2 lakhs die annually in the country due to a lack of, awareness of kidney disease said Dr Naresh Purohit, Principal Investigator of the Association of Studies for Kidney Care.
Voicing his concern on this issue ahead of World Kidney Day on March 9, noted Epidemiologist
Dr Purohit told media reporters here after addressing a seminar on “Battle Against Kidney Diseases”organised by the  Bhopal based

LN Medical College And Research Centre, that it is the responsibility of governments as well as physicians to provide awareness, support, and reassurance to those people who are suffering from kidney disease to bring hope to life.

Acclaimed physician pointed that kidneys are marvellous organs in our bodies, each kidney has 10 lakh microfilters – so, it is imperative that we maintain good kidney health. Kidneys maintain homeostasis/equilibrium by continuously monitoring and adjusting the changes in the fluids of the body. They maintain water and salt content, remove impurities in urine, and maintain haemoglobin levels, bone health, and overall immunity as well.

“As the kidneys weaken, excretory products accumulate in the body and start affecting various organs

. High blood pressure and high sugar levels are the most common causes contributing to kidney damage. Other reasons for kidney damage are genetic, autoimmune, urine outflows problems like prostate, and kidney stones, herbal products, and medicines like painkillers.” he cautioned.

“Kidney disease is usually undetected in the first and second stages, as it is asymptomatic. Regular screening of individuals predisposed to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can recognise the early stages. In later stages, patients might develop symptoms in the form of low energy levels, low appetite, nausea, vomiting, and feeling short of breath while doing regular work, And in pre-dialysis stages extreme shortness of breath, seizures, altered sensorium, and tremors.” said he

Experts in the seminar pointed that diseases like hypertension, diabetes, other organ failures, and autoimmune diseases, can directly affect kidneys.
They emphasised keeping these diseases under control is of paramount importance. Regular check-ups for these diseases and the use of medications can help prevent their side effects from affecting the kidneys.

*Dr. Naresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, and Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state organizations.)

Dr. Purohit is also an advisor, Indian Hospital Administration.