Dr Mohit Khirbat is a renowned nephrologist in Gurgaon with extensive experience of more than 28 years. He offers keen and understanding care of renal health issues. He is an expert in Critical Care Nephrology, Clinical Nephrology and dialysis. He is a distinguished member of several reputed societies including the Indian Society of Nephrology, the Indian Society of Haemodialysis and the International Society of Nephrology. He brings with him a wide experience of more than 28 years and has been associated with various hospitals of repute including Safdarjung (New Delhi), Sir Ganga Ram (New Delhi), Escorts Heart Institute & Research Centre (New Delhi), Max Healthcare (Saket & Gurgaon).
10 kidney disease symptoms to watch out for
Kidney disease is one of the most underestimated illnesses that affect people across age groups. Nearly 14% of the total general population lives with chronic kidney disease (CKD). According to the National Kidney Foundation, CKD is accountable for more deaths than breast or prostate cancer. Despite such high incidence, there is a substantial lack of awareness about kidney disease symptoms.
In the article below, Dr Mohit Khirbat, a renowned nephrologist in Gurgaon, discusses the various signs of kidney disease that one must be aware of.
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Before we set on to discuss the common signs of kidney disease, it is important that we understand what kidney disease means?
As the name suggests, kidney disease is an ailment of the kidneys. Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located at the back of the abdomen right below your ribcage. Kidneys are responsible for the following functions –
Having kidney disease means that your kidneys are unable to perform the above-given functions properly. Kidney disease has various complications – a damaged kidney can affect the process of filtration in your body. As a result, waste and toxins can collect inside your body leading to health problems such as nausea, weakness, poor sleep, and shortness of breath.
Kidney disease is generally classified into two categories, based on their causes – acute kidney disease and chronic kidney disease.
As mentioned above, chronic kidney disease develops over several months or even years. This ailment often shows several early signs of kidney disease.
Here are some common symptoms of kidney disease you should know:
1. You are more tired: Fatigue is among the first early signs of kidney disease. In a small cross-sectional study of nearly 87 patients living with advanced chronic kidney disease, profound fatigue was noted as one of the top symptoms of kidney disease.
When your kidneys stop working with their everyday capacity, you tend to develop a buildup of toxins and waste in your body. These impurities can make you feel easily tired.
In addition, you may also see a significant drop in your energy levels. The collection of these toxins can also contribute to a decreased level of concentration. International Society of Nephrology (ISN) notes that fatigue is also a sign of depression which is commonly seen in patients with advanced renal disease.
2. You have difficulty in sleeping: There is a well-established link between sleep and kidney function. Your sleeping pattern impacts your kidney’s health and its functions.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, your kidney function is regulated by the sleep-wake cycle. Your kidneys function 24 hours a day and your sleep cycle helps in coordinating its workload. Patients living with chronic kidney disease experience a variety of sleep disorders.
A poor sleep pattern, increased sleepiness during the day, poor nighttime sleep and more among the early signs of kidney disease. The primary reason for these signs is the collection of toxins in your body.
3. You have an increased need to urinate: Damage to the filters of your kidney can lead to increased urination, especially during the night. Having an increased urge to urinate at the night (nocturia) is a well-known sign of kidney disease.
Nocturia is remarkably common in chronic kidney disease with approximately 64 % affected patients.
4. You see blood in the urine: When you think about what are the signs of kidney disease, you must consider the presence of blood in the urine. Your kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins from your blood. In this process, they usually reserve the blood cells.
However, when the kidney function is damaged, some of the blood cells begin to leak and appear in the urine.
5. You have swollen feet and ankles: Another vital function of your kidneys is to balance the levels of fluids in your body. When you are living with kidney disease, the excess fluid cannot escape and gets collected in your body. This accumulation of excess body fluids can lead to swelling in your feet and ankles.
6. You experience a loss of appetite: Due to kidney damage, you are likely to experience a variety of toxins remain in your body. This pile of toxins can affect your eating habits and appetite.
Several people (nearly 10% of people experiencing end-stage renal disease) experience a loss of appetite as one of the early signs.
7. You have skin dryness & itching: Other signs and symptoms of kidney disease include skin dryness and itching. Dermatological issues pertaining to the skin are highly common in people living with chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease with almost 40% of the patients being affected.
Skin itching may vary from moderate to severe in person to person. Dry and itchy skin is also a sign associated with mineral and bone disease, that is often found in people living with kidney disease.
8. You have foamy urine: One of the most common kidney disease symptoms includes having foamy urine. When your kidney gets damaged, it allows for a large amount of protein to leak out through urine. This protein presents in the form of foamy urine – with bubbles.
9. You feel muscle cramping: One of the common kidney disease pain symptoms is muscle cramps or twitches. As a result of reduced kidney function, your body is not able to regulate fluids and electrolytes leading to cramping. Components such as reduced calcium or phosphorus levels are leading factors for this symptom.
10. Your eyes are puffy: When your kidneys are not working properly, various minerals and protein get collected in your body. The accumulation of these components may settle be displayed in the form of puffiness under the eyes.
Additionally, chronic kidney disease is caused by diabetes and high blood pressure which can put a strain on the blood vessels of your eyes leading to vision problems.
Your ideal method of treatment for kidney disease will depend upon its cause, the severity of your symptoms, stage of kidney disease and your overall health.
Majorly, there are four treatment options available to patients living with kidney disease:
You can expect to feel kidney pain on your sides or middle and upper back areas. Sometimes, the pain experienced due to kidney disease can also progress to the abdomen or groin.
If you are wondering – is back pain a symptom of kidney disease? – the answer may be, yes. However, kidney pain in the back can also be caused due to other health conditions. It is best to consult a verified nephrologist in case you experience this symptom.
Kidney disease symptoms can be easily misinterpreted. It is essential for people of all ages to understand these signs and symptoms so that you can practice prevention and take the necessary treatment at the right time.
For more information, book an appointment with Dr Mohit Khirbat, a leading nephrologist at the CK Birla Hospital.
Ques: What is the first sign of kidney disease?
Ans: Fatigue, loss of appetite, foamy urine and changes in urinary output are some early signs of kidney disease.
Ques: What are the stages of chronic kidney disease?
Ans: Chronic kidney disease progresses over time through five stages. These are:
Ques: How can I protect my kidneys?
Ans: You should restrict your sodium intake, limit caffeine, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep to protect your kidneys.
Ques: Which are the best foods to protect kidney function?
Ans: Top foods for better kidney function include cauliflower, blueberries, egg whites, garlic, cabbage, olive oil, bell pepper and onions.
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Life after kidney failure: What is it like?
A kidney failure, in itself, is very challenging. Knowing that you are affected by end-stage kidney disease (ERSD) can take a toll on your overall well-being. What is even more taxing is accomplishing to live a healthy life after kidney failure. More than 10% of the world population lives with chronic kidney disease. Though it is difficult, life after kidney failure can be very smooth and productive.
In this article, Dr Mohit Khirbat discusses how kidney failure impacts a patient’s life. Dr Mohit Khirbat is a leading nephrologist consulting at the CK Birla Hospital.
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Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs responsible for removing extra toxins and waste produced by the body. They also enable the body to filter blood before pumping it to the heart.
Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to perform the above-given functions completely.
This condition is of two types –
Acute kidney failure occurs very suddenly and is often reversible. Nonetheless, chronic kidney failure progresses slowly and leads to a complete shutdown of kidney functions.
Kidney failure is also known as end-stage renal disease. It is considered the final stage of chronic kidney disease and requires long-term clinical intervention.
Since acute kidney failure happens abruptly, its signs are often unnoticed. However, kidney failure symptoms for both acute and chronic failure can be detected and managed beforehand. It is important to have an understanding of these symptoms, especially if you have an ailment related to the kidney.
Common acute kidney failure symptoms include:
Common chronic kidney failure symptoms include:
There are several different causes of kidney failure. Sometimes, an underlying health condition can trigger kidney failure.
A disruption in the flow of blood to the kidneys can also prompt kidney failure. If there is a difficulty in passing out urine, the load of toxins of the kidneys may increase leading to a failure.
Conditions leading to kidney failure are:
There is no cure for kidney failure but it can be treated successfully. Dialysis and kidney transplants are two effective treatment measures for renal failure.
Dialysis – In this treatment type, the patient is dependent upon a machine that replaces the function of kidneys, to some extent. It does not offer a cure for renal failure but extends the patient’s life effectively.
Kidney transplant – Kidney transplant is an invasive surgery in which the damaged kidneys are replaced with a compatible donor’s kidney.
Irrespective of the treatment type, life after kidney failure requires care with careful planning. Let us learn about the life expectancy after kidney failure and the challenges one may face.
The life expectancy after kidney failure mainly depends upon the type of treatment a patient undergoes. Besides treatment preference, your overall health, age, way of living and clinical care may affect life expectancy after kidney failure.
A person living with kidney failure can expect to live for up to 10-20 years with the help of dialysis. The life expectancy of a person who has a kidney transplant can be extended up to 10-12 years. Several factors such as the health of the donor’s kidneys, complete health of the recipient and more add to the life expectancy.
The treatment for kidney failure can help in managing your symptoms and extend your life. These modalities do not cure you of the disease. During or after treatment, you can expect to feel a variety of symptoms that may affect your physical, mental and emotional health.
Some of the common symptoms include swelling in the stomach and ankle, problems with digestion, loss of appetite, weakness, confusion, headaches and fatigue. However, all of these health issues are manageable and may not necessarily interrupt your life.
Chronic kidney failure is capable of changing the course of your life. You will become more dependent on your family members for care at home. Their support will be critical to the progress of your health.
Kidney failure impacts the boundaries in the relationship between the patient and caregiver. It is important that while your loved ones offer you unrestricted support, they also take care of their well-being.
Your visits to the hospital will also become routine. You will need to consult your healthcare provider for regular tests and screenings. If you are a dialysis patient, the hospital setting may just be your second home.
The amount of clinical help you seek in your life after kidney failure is considerably high. Needless to say, kidney failure can negatively impact your mental and emotional health. You may also seek consistent emotional and mental support from your loved ones. It is beneficial to take counselling sessions from a verified therapist.
Life after kidney failure demands most attention towards the management of the disease. For some people, their professional life becomes secondary. You may not need to completely get rid of your career goals. You can talk to your employer about your condition and ask for flexible working hours, remote working and more.
In men, kidney failure can prompt a low sperm volume. While women may suffer from menstrual issues as a side effect of this disease. These issues can further impact the fertile potential in a patient. If you wish to start or expand your family while living with kidney failure, you should consult with your healthcare provider. There are numerous scientific advances in the field of reproductive medicine that may be able to help you.
If you can offer appropriate medical management of kidney failure, your life expectancy can increase or at least remain unaffected.
Life after kidney failure calls for extensive medical help and lifestyle modifications. Here is what you can do to manage your symptoms effectively:
A proper check on medications – As a chronically ill patient, you are expected to regularly take your medicines. Irrespective of the severity of symptoms, you must follow your medication schedule as per your doctor’s guidelines.
If you require additional medicines for other health concerns, you must consult your nephrologist and take their opinion on the same. Your medicines allow you to operate normally and keep health complications at bay.
Eating a well-balanced diet – It is important to note that kidney failure treatment cannot replace the original abilities of the kidneys. During treatment, you are required to eat a nutritious diet for kidney health that does not cause digestive issues.
The dialysis machine or the donor’s kidney may not be able to filter all the waste. Therefore, you should avoid consuming food products that may be difficult to get rid of. You need to control their sodium, phosphorus and fluids intake while loading on fibre, calories and vitamins.
Engage in regular physical activity – Exercising regularly has a variety of benefits for anyone living with renal failure. You should avoid doing extraneous exercises and engage in light activities such as yoga, jogging, swimming and more.
Stop smoking and drinking – Smoking cigarettes can harm your overall health and cause multiple complications. Excessive consumption of alcohol can also hamper your kidney failure treatment.
The news of kidney failure can be discouraging. However, there is hope in knowing that kidney failure symptoms can be managed with relevant care. With the above-mentioned care tips, you can make sure that your life after kidney failure is not aggravating.
Book an appointment with Dr Mohit Khirbat, a leading nephrologist at the CK Birla Hospital to know more about kidney diseases and their treatment options.
Ques: Can kidney failure be reversed?
Ans: Whether or not kidney failure can be reversed depends upon its type. Acute kidney failure that sets in suddenly is reversible while chronic kidney failure which progresses gradually is not.
Ques: What are the stages of chronic kidney disease?
Ans: Chronic kidney disease develops over time across five stages. Stage 1 refers to mild kidney damage while stage 5 is the last stage in which kidney function completely declines.
Ques: Can I receive dialysis at home?
Ans: Yes, advanced medical science services have enabled patients to receive dialysis at home. However, extreme care and clinical intervention is necessary to perform the process accurately.
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Complete Dialysis Patient Diet Plan: Foods to Eat and Avoid
“You are what you eat”
Notice how models and gym-goers emphasise on eating a well-balanced diet. One week of a salad-based diet can prepare them to feature on a magazine cover. What you eat literally acts as fuel for your body. A highly nutritious diet can do wonders for a healthy person. For a chronically ill person, it can alter the course of life. People living with chronic kidney diseases would understand the importance of consuming sufficient nutrients. However, planning a dialysis patient’s diet chart needs clinical help.
In this article, Dr Mohit Khirbat, a leading nephrologist at the CK Birla Hospital will help you design the best diet plan for dialysis patients.
Table of Contents
To understand the importance of diet for patients on dialysis, let us rewind some school-time biology. Dialysis is offered to patients suffering from chronic kidney diseases.
In human anatomy, kidneys are bean-shaped organs responsible for filtering waste generated by our body. However, sometimes the functioning of the kidneys can be disrupted due to various reasons. As the kidneys fail to function properly, the waste can get buildup and cause harm to the body, in general.
In such situations, healthcare providers offer dialysis to keep the body functioning. A dialysis machine helps to maintain the balance by managing the kidney’s functions. Dialysis treatment helps to remove extra waste, salt and water from the body.
However, even during dialysis some waste can fluid can buildup. A prolonged collection of these substances in the body can lead to heart and bone problems.
Dialysis patient diet comes in place when the patient is willing to benefit entirely from the treatment and avoid additional health problems. It is important to properly track and consume only sufficient nutrients. A dialysis patient is required to cautiously avoid specific food items as well to prevent any health complications.
It is important to understand that dialysis cannot replace the functioning of a kidney. Dialysis is a treatment that only offers support to patients with end-stage kidney diseases. Therefore, a conscious choice of food should be made to maintain health.
There is a range of foods good for a kidney dialysis patient. However, in a dialysis patient diet chart, the focus should be kept on four key areas:
Potassium is an essential mineral which is considered highly beneficial for dialysis patients. It is important for the healthy functioning of nerves and muscles including the heart.
An increased amount of potassium in the body can lead to heart problems such as irregular heartbeats and even cardiac arrest. On the other hand, a low potassium intake can cause muscle cramps and difficulty in breathing. The key is moderation.
Dialysis patients are required to monitor their potassium intake and restrict it to a moderate level.
Most fruits and vegetables are generally high in potassium. You can remove some amount of potassium from vegetables by the process of leaching. Leaching means removing potassium amount from raw vegetables by soaking them in the water at least two hours before cooking.
Other food products with a high amount of potassium are nuts, seeds, coconuts, wholegrain cereals, brown sugar and more.
Sodium is a necessary electrolyte for body functions that helps in the regulation of blood pressure. Sodium also helps in regulating acid and base balance in the body fluids.
Despite being necessary, an increased level of sodium can lead to multiple health problems in a kidney dialysis patient. These include hypertension, edema and shortness of breath among others.
Therefore, it is mandatory for dialysis patients to restrict their sodium intake. Sodium is most commonly found in salt. Minimising the levels of salt in your meals can be really helpful. Other items such as processed foods are some foods for a dialysis patient to avoid.
The energy that our body produces is stored with the help of phosphorus. It is an essential mineral required by our body to utilise other vitamins and minerals. Additionally, the strength of our bones and teeth are maintained by phosphorus and calcium.
Products rich in phosphorus are foods for a dialysis patient to avoid. It is because dialysis cannot manage the required level of this mineral in our body. A high level, on the other hand, can cause various complications such as renal bone disease, skin itching and more.
A patient who receives kidney dialysis needs to establish a strong control on his/her fluid intake. It is because fluid removal is an integral function of the kidneys. When the kidneys do not function properly, the excess water can get collected and move to the body cells. An excess buildup of fluids in cells can cause swelling of the feet and hands, commonly known as edema. More so, the extra volume of fluids can enter tissues present in the lungs and disrupt their functioning leading to breathlessness.
In such cases, a patient is only dependent on dialysis for the removal of fluids from the body. The best method to avoid the above-given health complications is to limit the intake of fluids.
Furthermore, even dialysis can remove a certain quantity of fluids, therefore a restriction on the consumption of fluids at the first hand is the best preventive measure.
Tips to limit your fluid intake –
Note: The requirements of each dialysis patient is different. The above-given information can help you custom-make your diet chart. You should ensure to restrict sodium and phosphorus intake while moderately managing the quantity of potassium. Sometimes food items have low sodium but are rich in calories. It is, thus, important to carefully design a plan that does not overwhelm you with one nutrient and drive you of another. You can discuss these tips with your healthcare provider to prepare a personalised dietary plan.
Dialysis diet plan becomes significant from the day you start taking treatment. The treatment of kidney disease is key for managing symptoms and removing waste from your body. It is up to you to make a conscious choice and live a healthy life during dialysis sessions. Dietary intake along with the following medications are vital components for the success of the treatment.
To learn more about kidney disease or plan your dialysis patient’s diet chart, you can book an appointment with Dr Mohit Khirbat, a leading nephrologist at the CK Birla Hospital.
Also, read: Common signs of Kidney Stones & steps to preventing Kidney Stones
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