Guntur, Mar 08:Kidney Disease Awareness is essential to prevent serious health complications, said senior nephrologist Dr Niharika Jonnalagadda, urging people not to ignore early symptoms related to kidney health. She was speaking at a health awareness meeting on kidney diseases held on Sunday at the office of Avagahana Organisation in Arundelpet, Guntur.
Diabetes and BP Major Risk Factors
Dr Niharika explained that people suffering from long-term diabetes and high blood pressure should be particularly cautious about kidney health. She advised patients to maintain strict control over blood sugar and blood pressure levels to avoid long-term complications.
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According to her, uncontrolled diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to severe complications such as diabetic retinopathy (eye damage), cardiomyopathy (heart problems), neuropathy (nerve damage), diabetic nephropathy (kidney damage), and stroke caused by damage to blood vessels supplying the brain.
She emphasized that patients should follow doctors’ advice carefully, take prescribed medicines regularly, and maintain a balanced diet with reduced carbohydrate intake to keep diabetes under control.
Lifestyle Changes and Kidney Disease Awareness
Dr Niharika pointed out that earlier diabetes and hypertension were often linked to hereditary factors. However, in recent years sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits, and lack of physical activity have significantly increased the risk of these diseases.
She explained that the kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste from the blood and maintaining the body’s internal balance. When kidney function declines, impurities remain in the bloodstream and can affect other organs, leading to multiple health complications.
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Early Symptoms Should Not Be Ignored
People suffering from kidney damage may experience symptoms such as swelling in the legs, puffiness of the face, fatigue, breathing difficulty, and reduced urination, she said. Individuals experiencing such symptoms should immediately consult a nephrologist and undergo proper medical tests.
Dr Niharika recommended that diabetes patients should undergo serum creatinine tests every six months and urine protein tests once a year to detect kidney problems at an early stage.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354521
Kidney Stones and Prevention
Dr Niharika also spoke about kidney stones, explaining that they can develop due to hereditary factors or certain dietary habits. Depending on the size and location of the stones, doctors may treat them either with medication or surgery.
Small kidney stones can often pass naturally through urine by drinking plenty of water. However, patients with kidney stones should avoid excessive consumption of foods such as spinach, beetroot, and dry fruits, she advised.
She also described kidney disease as a “silent killer”, noting that symptoms often appear only after nearly 50 percent of kidney function is lost.
Kidney diseases are broadly classified into chronic and acute conditions. Chronic kidney disease, usually caused by diabetes and hypertension, may require lifelong dialysis two to three times a week, while acute kidney issues caused by infections, viruses, or dehydration may require temporary dialysis until recovery.
Interaction with Participants
During the programme, Dr Niharika Jonnalagadda answered several questions raised by members of the Avagahana Organisation regarding kidney health and preventive measures.
The awareness meeting was coordinated by TV Sairam and attended by Avagahana senior members Lakshmi, Jayashree Devi, Sujatha, and others.
