Every year on July 1st, India celebrates National Doctors’ Day to honor the legendary physician and the second Chief Minister of West Bengal, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. This observance fulfills a need to show the doctors and physicians in our lives that how important they are to us and how invaluable their treatments are that cure us.
Imagine a world without doctors, a world where we would have to diagnose our own problems and find solutions to them. We don’t know what you feel about such kind of world. For us, that would be like living with the horror of solving hundred of math problems till the end of life! Sounds crazy, doesn’t it?
We caught up with Dr.Ritesh Vernekar, a noted Nephrologist. Dr. Dr.Ritesh finished his MBBS and M.D (General Medicine) from Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Belagavi and D.M (Nephrology)from Seth GSMC KEMH, Mumbai. He is a Associate Professor at KLE University’s Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Belagavi.
Speaking to AAB Dr. Vernekar emphasized on early detection of the Kidney disease which can help in treatment of the patient. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is an irreversible, progressive reduction in renal function. In stage 1 with early Diagnosis, treatment of underlying condition and comorbidities, cardiovascular disease risk reduction can be undertaken very effectively. However at a later stage Evaluating and treating complications will eventually lead to Replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation).
Here is a gist of the interaction with the Doctor –
There has been a tremendous increase in the incidence of Kidney related diseases in the recent past mainly due to diabetes and lifestyle changes.
The major factors causative for Kidney diseases are Diabetes and consumption of pain killer over the counter.
Top causes for Kidney diseases can be aforementioned as –
Diabetes – with 40-50% of the patients with kidney disease are diabetic
Hypertension – is an important cause of kidney disease and kidney failure (end-stage renal disease). Hypertension can cause damage to the blood vessels and filters in the kidney, making removal of waste from the body difficult.
Stones – A small, hard deposit that forms in the kidneys and is often painful when passed.
Pain killer/analgesic use – Many analgesics should not be taken by people with kidney disease.
Cystic syndrome – Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disorder in which clusters of cysts develop primarily within your kidneys.
Early Kidney disease are asymptomatic until the disease has significantly progressed, patients remain unaware of the condition. Thus, it is essential to have clinical examination aimed at early detection, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of this condition. In most cases the disease is diagnosed at a very later stage making it difficult to treat with medicines.
Stone related kidney disease is easily prevented with regular serial sonography since once a stone patient always a stone patient, regular urine & blood test done at Rs.100-150 can determine this.
High Risks of Kidney Diseases are persons with Diabetes, Hypertension, Pain killer, Stones.
However there are some symptoms which are over looked which can tell one the arrival of the kidney disease like swelling on the foot, Red urine, Mild loss of appetite.
If the same is not detected earlier then one will have complete loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, breathlessness, Severe anemia.
Regular urine examinations will give your physician a clue about how your kidney is functioning and incase of abnormalities one should consult a physician or a general practitioner or in case of severity a nephrologist.
The use of Pain killer or analgesic must be under strict supervision and only on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner. One major cause of Kidney disease can be abnormal intake of analgesic which are sold over the counter.
Persons with Kidney stones also face a life long risk of Kidney disease and kidney damage. Such patients must do sonography regularly for early detection and prevention.
Hypertension patients must follow a LOW SALT, low protein diet followed up with regular exercise with Blood pressure under 140/90.
Diet for Kidney patient– LOW SALT, Low protein (especially Non veg), Fruits, plenty of Fluids. You may need to alter your diet more if your kidney disease gets worse, or if you need dialysis.
Lifestyle changes suggested for Kidney patients – Smoking should be avoided, Alcohol intake must be stopped, weight must be controlled and regular exercises with meditation and yoga can help one live a better life with a kidney disease.
Also avoiding indigenous medicines is important as they contain high lead content, Arsenic, mercury and many known kidney toxins which with regular intake can increase the gravity of the Kidney disease.