Kims Logo
Kidney Health Matters

Kidney Health Matters: Early Symptoms, Dialysis Options & Prevention Tips

The kidneys are bean shaped and about the size of your fist. They are located behind the intestine, closer to your back and below the ribs. They are crucial for filtering toxic substances and maintaining electrolyte balance.

This filtration occurs in the glomerulus - and it is this fundamental unit that can get affected when you have chronic inflammation, autoimmune disease or some such condition. Chronic kidney disease needs specialised treatment and you can get that and more only at KIMS Sikhara- the best kidney care hospital in Guntur.

Early Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease-

The kidneys continue to work quietly for years and will compensate for loss of function even when there is some issue or underlying medical condition. People mostly notice signs when substantial damage to kidney function has already occurred. Some easy to miss signs include-

  • Change in urine colour, smell and frequency of urination.
  • Fluid retention in the limbs is common.
  • You may notice puffiness under and around the eyes.
  • You may feel tired or have low energy levels throughout the day.
  • You could have memory issues and may not be able to concentrate properly.
  • Dry skin that feels very itchy.
  • Nausea and poor appetite can be common.
  • You may have high blood pressure because of kidney disease, but continued hypertension can further damage kidneys- this is a vicious cycle which is very hard to control.

If you have any of these symptoms, please don’t ignore them. You should instead consult the best nephrologist in Guntur, at KIMS Sikhara Hospital, without further delay.

Common Causes For Kidney Damage-

Some of the most common causes for kidney damage or kidney disease to develop include- high blood pressure, diabetes, using medications on a regular basis which may not be kidney friendly in the long term, frequent UTIs, autoimmune conditions, polycystic kidney disease or not drinking enough water, respectively.

Preventive Measures for Kidney Health-

There are several ways to make sure your kidneys continue to work well for many years-

  • You should actively work to manage hypertension and high blood glucose levels throughout.
  • You should eat foods which are low on sodium, low on sugar and are generally kidney friendly.
  • You should aim to get at least 3 hours of moderate exercise in a week.
  • You should not smoke or drink alcohol regularly.
  • You should drink at least 8-10 glasses of water on a daily basis.
  • You should avoid using painkillers or specific medications for a long time and ask your doctor to prescribe alternatives, which are not as hard on the kidney.
  • Regular kidney function tests are important- annual tests are recommended, though you may need them more often.

Treatment Options for Kidney Disease-

Dialysis is a common approach used to treat kidney disease. Dialysis is a process where wastes from the blood are removed, as your kidneys are no longer able to filter them out, like before. There are 2 types of dialysis-

  • Peritoneal dialysis- a dialysis solution is placed directly in the abdominal cavity using a catheter. Wastes slowly enter this fluid, which is then removed from the body in a few hours. The fluid may need to be changed manually or it may be replaced on a daily basis, at night by a specialised machine.
  • Haemodialysis- Blood is circulated through membranes with a dialysis fluid on the other side. Wastes diffuse into the fluid and purified blood is sent back to the body. This is done a few times in a week.

The type of dialysis you require will depend on severity of condition and which method suits your routine better, among other factors. Walk into KIMS Sikhara for the best dialysis treatment in Guntur.

Conclusion

Kidney disease needs proper care and once symptoms have begun, you will need to manage them as damage to the kidney cannot be reversed with any specific treatment. There is no permanent cure for kidney disease either. If you want to consult a nephrologist in Guntur and understand how to manage your symptoms better, call us at KIMS Sikhara Hospitals, today!

FAQs

1. What are the early symptoms of kidney disease?

Early kidney disease may cause fatigue, swelling in the feet or ankles, changes in urination, and difficulty concentrating. Some people notice foamy urine, dry skin, or muscle cramps. As kidney function declines, waste products build up in the blood. Regular health screenings help detect kidney problems before severe symptoms develop.

2. What causes kidney disease?

Kidney disease often develops due to conditions that damage the kidneys over time. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes. Other causes include infections, genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and long-term use of certain medications. Reduced blood flow or repeated kidney infections can also contribute to progressive kidney damage.

3. When is dialysis required for kidney disease?

Dialysis is required when the kidneys lose the ability to remove waste, excess fluid, and toxins from the blood. This stage is called kidney failure or end-stage kidney disease. Doctors recommend dialysis when kidney function drops to very low levels and symptoms such as severe fatigue, fluid buildup, or electrolyte imbalance appear.

4. What are the main types of dialysis?

The two main types of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis filters blood through a machine that removes waste and excess fluid. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen to filter waste using a dialysis solution. Both treatments help perform essential kidney functions when natural kidney function declines.

5. How can you protect and maintain kidney health?

Maintaining kidney health involves controlling blood pressure, managing blood sugar levels, and staying hydrated. A balanced diet with reduced salt intake supports kidney function. Regular exercise, avoiding excessive pain medication use, and scheduling routine medical checkups help detect kidney issues early and reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease.

Book an Appointment Call Us