Kidney patients double in 15 years

The number of Indians suffering from chronic kidney diseases has doubled in the past 15 years. At present, 17 in each hundred Indians suffer from some sort of kidney disease, as health experts quote.

The health experts observed that numerous Indian populace-based studies in the past assessed that about150-230 people suffer from End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) out of a million people, and approx. 2,20,000-2,75,000 new patients need Renal Replacement Therapy (RRT) each year.

"The number of patients undergoing dialysis in India is also increasing by 10-15 per cent every year, which majorly includes children too. Not much importance is given to kidney disorders as it is still under-the-radar condition," said Sudeep Singh Sachdev, Consultant for Nephrology at Max Super Specialty Hospital.

The Health Ministry claimed that around 2,000 new dialysis centres will be set up at district-level hospitals across the country in next two years, underlining the gravity of the issue.
The exact burden of long-lasting kidney ailments in India is still undefined, however, its probable incidence is said to be 800 per million people (pmp).

Explaining on kidney complications in children, Sachdev said early detection is necessary for a well and fit lifestyle in children to combat preventable kidney damage that may include severe kidney disease.

"Difficulty in gaining weight for the child and poor growth, frequent body aches, urination difficulty or longer time in urinating, swollen face, legs, and ankles while getting up in the morning are a few symptoms of kidney problems," said Sachdev.

Piyush Rastogi, nephrologist of Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, said that a change in lifestyle is the major cause of the rising kidney diseases.

"Lesser fluid intake, smoking, excess intake of medicines and drugs and salt intake are the reasons contributing to the rising chronic kidney diseases," said Rastogi.

"Too much sodium can lead to hypertension, so cutting down on salt intake is better. About 1.5 to 2.3 grams daily is the prescribed amount of salt intake. Healthy fluid intake is necessary for children, especially water, to avoid kidney problems," added Rastogi.
According to health experts, only 300-400 dialysis centres are presently accessible in India. With 1,500 nephrologists in urban areas treating kidney patients, more than 60 per cent of the patients do not get any medical facilities on time. Only four per cent of the patients get a sponsor.