The global burden of diseases related to Kidney is increasing and is projected to become the 5th most common cause of life lost globally by 2040. There is a need to increase the awareness about the importance of preventive measures that should be taken to prevent the health of the kidney from getting affected. There is also a need for awareness of how progression of kidney diseases can be delayed. Medicircle is conducting an exclusive series in this regard and presenting insights directly from eminent doctors and health professionals.

Dr. Santosh Waigankar is an experienced Robotic Surgeon and Urooncologist. He has attained Postdoctoral Vattikuti Fellowship in Urooncology and Robotic Surgery and has a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. He is skilled in Healthcare Information Technology (HIT), Healthcare, Healthcare Management, and Clinical Research.

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital is a tertiary-care hospital in Mumbai, India. The hospital is named after Kokilaben Ambani, wife of industrialist Dhirubhai Ambani, who was the founder of Reliance Industries. The hospital has boasted of many firsts not only in India but also in Asia.  

Symptoms of Unhealthy Kidney

Dr. Waigankar informs that, “Persons from a possible kidney disease can have from “No symptoms” to “Many symptoms” such as:

• High colored urine
• Increased swelling in the leg
• Blood in urine
• Difficulty in passing urine
• Burning sensation while passing urine”

Factors Causing Kidney Disease

Dr. Waigankar mentions, “There could be causes that were present during birth or those which have been acquired during one’s lifetime like:

• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Chronic abuse of painkillers
• Autoimmune diseases
• Congenital diseases”

Lifestyle Changes to Keep One’s Kidneys Healthy

Dr. Waigankar advises, “A good intake of plain water can maintain kidney’s health, but few additional things could be done to enhance the health like:

• Maintain an excellent average body weight/BMI
• Avoid alcohol, smoking, or drugs
• Avoid unsupervised use of painkillers
• Control diabetes
• Maintain a balanced and a healthy diet”

Disclaimer from Dr. Santosh Waigankar: Consultations provided virtually are not valid for medico-legal purposes as prescribed treatment is to be taken by the patient at his own risk. ​The ideal consult requires a physical examination by the treating doctor. Medicines prescribed also need to be authorized by medical practitioners in patients in certain countries before the pharmacy can dispatch them.

(Edited by Amrita Priya)