
The Renal Sciences team at CMRI highlighted the growing risks of kidney problems and just by adapting simple but effective lifestyle changes one could make to keep kidney and other renal issues at bay. The doctors at CK Birla Hospitals – CMRI shared some insights and basic healthy lifestyle practices to prevent kidney diseases in adults and children. Dr. Abhinandan Banerjee, Dr Rajiv Sinha& Dr. Pradip Chakrabarti, highlighted how kidney diseases are silent killers in both the young and adults, greatly affecting their quality of life. They mentioned that there are several simple ways to reduce the risk of kidney disease.
In keeping with the international theme for World Kidney Day, 2021 – “Living well with kidney diseases” People living with kidney disease tend to, above all, want to be able to live well, maintain their role and social functioning, whilst maintaining some semblance of normality and a sense of control over their health and wellbeing. Whilst effective measures to prevent kidney disease and its progression are important, patients with kidney disease – including those who depend on dialysis and transplantation – and their care-partners should also feel supported, especially during pandemics and other challenging periods.
Dr. Abhinandan Banerjee, consultant, Nephrology, CMRIsaid, “These basic changes encompass some of the most basic and regular aspects of one’s life. One must exercise regularly, eat healthy, and avoid smoking. One should also keep their blood sugar, blood pressure and weight in control. Avoid taking too many over the counter (OTC) pills as they may have adverse effects on the kidney. One must also ensure 2.5 liters of water intake per day. These are habits that should be encouraged and inculcated from childhood so that one can become adults with healthy kidneys.” He reiterated the risks of self-medication and over the counter pills. He mentioned that some pills such as anti-inflammatory drugs and pain killers have adverse effects on the kidneys if taken regularly. Therefore, he recommends taking such drugs only on the advice of a doctor.
He further added, “The best treatment for severe chronic renal failure is renal transplant. This procedure allows freedom from dialysis, normal amounts of water and food intake, improved growth and well-being, and resuming regular life activities. The transplant work-up for both donor and recipient takes a few months since the donor has to undergo rigorous tests to ensure that he/she is healthy and able to withstand the procedure. Likewise, the recipient undergoes tests to ensure optimum clinical condition, and a series of vaccinations to provide protection from infections.” The marked improvement in the patient’s wellbeing can be witnessed by a complete change of personality after the transplant.
Dr. Rajiv Sinha, consultant, Pediatric Nephrology, CMRI, emphasized on the importance of pre-emptive transplantation in children.Preemptivetransplantationmeans when transplantation is done before undergoing dialysis. Studies have shown that children who had undergone preemptive transplantation had better outcome. This further underscores the importance of the donation within the family. A nationwide awareness programme is needed to highlight the safety of kidney donation and kidney transplantation in present era.
A patient of CMRI said, “I now wish I had made healthier lifestyle choices as I was growing up. I realize my condition could have been prevented. I have received excellent medical care and counselling from doctors and medical professionals at CMRI and they have helped me cope successfully with a kidney transplant operation.”
Dr. Pradip Chakraborty, Head of the Transplant unit, Nephrology, CMRIsummed up, “At CMRI, we undertake a lot of examination before and after the transplant so that both the recipient and donor can resume their normal lives as soon as possible. Tests are performed to confirm that there are no unsurmountable medical issues in the donor and recipient. Usually good outcomes are usually seen, when the donor is a close first degree relative. For any patient after the transplant, we strictly follow the recommended lab tests, clinic visits and complete checkup to ensure proper functions of the kidney. We recommend the patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle post-transplant.”
Speaking on this, Dr. Simmardeep Gill, COO, CK Birla Hospitals said, “The prevalence of end stage renal disease in India is229 per million population. More than 100,000 new patients enter renal replacement programs annually. The exact burden of chronic kidney diseases in India is still undefined, but its approximate prevalence is said to be 800 per million people (pmp). This alarming statistic underlines the need to raise awareness and educate the population about renal diseases and preventive measures.”