Chronic Kidney Disease: Kidney disease is increasing rapidly. Many people become very worried upon learning of it. Let us tell you about 8 rules you should always keep in mind.

Ways to prevent kidney disease

How to Protect Your Kidneys from Damage: It's often seen that treatment for chronic diseases is limited to a few general tips that don't work for everyone. In fact, more than the disease itself, the patient's attitude and understanding determine its outcome. According to Dr. Prashant C. Dhirendra, Senior Consultant Nephrologist at Apollo Hospitals, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, certain important rules must be followed to understand and better manage kidney-related diseases.

Understand your kidneys

Most people don't fully understand the function and importance of the kidneys. The kidneys are one of the least understood organs in the body, yet they play a vital role in maintaining health. Therefore, everyone should be aware of kidney function and care.

Rely on the right sources of information

There's a wealth of health information available online today, but not all of it is necessarily accurate. Sometimes, neighbors, friends, or relatives offer uninformed advice, which can be harmful. Therefore, if you have a kidney problem, you should only consult a qualified nephrologist.

Know the main causes of kidney failure

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of kidney failure in India. Approximately 75 percent of patients have one or both of these conditions. Therefore, people with diabetes or high blood pressure should have their kidneys checked at least once a year.

Consider the kidneys as the body's balancing organ.

The kidneys maintain chemical balance in the body, allowing vital organs like the brain, heart, lungs, and liver to function properly. If the kidneys fail to function properly, water begins to accumulate in the body, which can reach the lungs and cause life-threatening conditions.

Don't panic if you are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means that the kidneys have been functioning below normal for more than three months. This disease usually progresses slowly, so it can be controlled with timely treatment and careful care.

Don't worry too much about reports

There are so many different medical tests available these days that people often become anxious about their results. Tests are a tool for doctors to understand the condition, but the patient's quality of life is of paramount importance.

Trust your treating doctor

Many people change doctors frequently in the hope of a quick cure. However, CKD is a long-term disease that requires proper management over many years. Therefore, it is important to stick to the advice of a trusted specialist.

Pay attention to quality of life

The most important goal in kidney disease is to maintain a good quality of life for the patient. In the early stages, controlling blood sugar and blood pressure, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular checkups are very helpful. However, in severe cases, treatment such as dialysis or kidney transplant may be required. With accurate information, timely diagnosis, and expert advice, kidney problems can be largely controlled, and the patient can live a normal life for a long time.