According to a recent study, about 4 lakh patients suffer from chronic kidney disease in India. Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs present on one on each side of the spine. Its main functions include eliminating toxic wastes from the body in the form of urine.
WHAT CAUSES KIDNEY DISEASE?
Just like any other disease, the causes of kidney disease vary from person. Most times, kidney disease is a result of other lifestyle diseases. However, in some cases, the causes of a kidney disease are other primary kidney diseases.
Some of the main causes of kidney disease are:
1. Diabetes
According to research and statistics, people with high levels of diabetes are the most likely to develop kidney diseases. Diabetic Nephropathy is a complication caused by both Type1 and Type 2 diabetes.
2. Hypertension
One of the most common causes of kidney disease is hypertension. Elevated levels of blood pressure can result in various kidney problems.
3. Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of glomeruli. Glomeruli are the filtering units of kidney whose damage and infection can result in kidney diseases.
4. Cysts
Polycystic kidney disease is a medical condition characterized by the formation of cysts in either or both the kidneys. Mainly, it is hereditary.
5. Kidney Stones
The presence of kidney stones can result in kidney diseases. These stone obstruct the flow of urine, thereby, adding to the complications.
6. Infection
Kidney diseases can also be a result of recurring kidney infections, or conditions like HIV, sickle cell disease, etc.
7. Abnormally Shaped Kidneys
Sometimes, kidney diseases are also caused by abnormally shaped kidneys. For instance, a person whose kidneys are shrunken since birth is more likely to develop a chronic kidney disease in the future.
HOW TO PREVENT KIDNEY DISEASE?
Though there is no hard and fast way to prevent kidney diseases, one can follow certain measures to avoid it. Some of them include:
- Regulating diabetes and hypertension since people with diabetes and high blood pressure are the most likely to develop a chronic kidney disease in the future.
- Going for an annual check-up.
- Staying fit by exercising daily and opting for a healthier lifestyle.
- Taking the symptoms seriously: most of the patients do not experience any severe symptoms until the end stage. Thereby, it is very important to take any noticeable symptom seriously.
Consult your doctor immediately if you have any signs or symptoms of kidney disease.