Chronic kidney disease affecting millions of Indians; doctors explain how to prevent

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is silently affecting millions in India, and experts warn it could become one of the country’s top five causes of death. In 2021 alone, 128 million Indians were impacted, with 1,75,637 deaths and 6.49 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost.

Doctors are observing a surge in hospitalisations as CKD often progresses unnoticed from early stages to critical kidney failure, with many patients seeking help only when dialysis or transplantation becomes necessary.

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A recent study in the International Journal of Urology and Nephrology highlights that much of this burden is preventable. Controlling diabetes and hypertension could potentially reduce CKD prevalence by 15 per cent, as lifestyle and urban environments play a significant role in the disease’s rise.

Rising prevalence

CKD affected nearly 9.3 per cent of the Indian population in 2021. “Most patients only seek help when dialysis or a kidney transplant becomes inevitable,” notes the study, stressing the silent nature of the disease. Early symptoms, such as fatigue, swelling in the legs, foamy urine, or frequent urination, are often ignored or mistaken for stress.

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Urban lifestyles are a growing contributor. “Fast-paced life, processed and takeaway foods, and high sodium intake are damaging kidneys,” says Dr. M Navinath, Consultant Nephrologist, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), Chennai. Poor dietary habits, coupled with stress, obesity, and delayed screenings, are fueling the rise in CKD cases.

Simple, inexpensive tests — serum creatinine and protein in urine — can detect early kidney damage, but most patients avoid routine checks until the disease reaches advanced stages.

Symptoms and risks

CKD is often called a silent disease because the kidneys lose function gradually. Early signs include fatigue, weakness, swelling in the legs or feet, foamy or bloody urine, frequent urination, itchy skin, poor appetite, and shortness of breath.

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“Patients present late with advanced CKD, requiring emergency dialysis or hospitalisation for complications like anemia, bone fractures, or cardiovascular issues,” explains Dr. Jayanivash J, Consultant, Renal Science, SIMS Hospital (SRM Institutes For Medical Science).

Without intervention, CKD can progress to end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), leaving only two survival options: dialysis or kidney transplant. While transplants offer a better quality of life and longer survival, organ shortages limit availability.

Prevention and management

CKD can be largely prevented and managed if detected early. Key lifestyle measures include:

Monitoring blood sugar and blood pressure regularly

Reducing salt intake to WHO-recommended levels (5-6 grams/day)

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables and staying hydrated

Exercising regularly and avoiding excessive use of painkillers

“Advanced CKD drastically reduces quality of life with constant fatigue, dietary restrictions, hospital visits, and financial burden,” says Dr. Jayanivash. Early screenings and lifestyle changes are crucial for preventing disease progression.

Call to action

Experts emphasise that early detection and intervention can save lives. Annual kidney health checkups, especially for high-risk individuals with diabetes, hypertension, or family history, are vital.

Could you be at risk without even knowing it? Early action could save your kidneys.

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