‘High incidence of chronic kidney disease in Punjab’

Tribune News Service

Patiala, March 10

Columbia Asia Hospital conducted a nephrology camp to spread awareness about risk factors, prevention and cure of Chronic Kidney Diseases (CKDs) to mark World Kidney Day.

Highlighting the role of water played in helping kidney to flush out toxic waste from the body, the camp offered free consultation, diet counselling and discount on lab and radiology investigations, especially to patients of diabetes or hypertension.

“Food habits and lifestyle have become major factors in increasing the risk of CKD. Punjab is witnessing a high prevalence of kidney diseases. As compared to the last year, the inflow of patients with kidney failure and in need of dialysis has definitely increased. Every month, we are seeing nearly 15 new patients requiring dialysis at our centre. The reason for this is that Punjabi food is rich in fat and people maintain a sedentary lifestyle,” said Dr Udham Singh, senior consultant, nephrology.

Diabetes, along with hypertension, account for 70 per cent of CKD cases. While high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in kidneys, a similar condition is caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure. Besides, other factors like obesity also make a person susceptible to CKD.

“Studies have revealed that Punjab has a significant number of cases of renal stones, which can also lead to kidney disease. Unregulated consumption of painkillers also trigger CKD in a person,” said Dr Kulwant Singh, consultant, nephrology.