8 Common Myths Busted: Facts On Kidney Disease

Renal Sciences | by CMRI | Published on 14/07/2022

Overview

In this age of information overload, it might be difficult to separate things out and understand what’s true and what's not. An overwhelming number of myths about kidney diseases are floating around through word of mouth and through the internet as well. That’s why here we’ve debunked some common myths related to kidney diseases. This way, you will get to know the facts behind such myths and educate the people around you. One of our best kidney transplant doctors in Kolkata has helped us with the same.

Myth: You can not prevent kidney disease.

Fact: Many individuals believe that kidney disease is unpreventable because it is caused by genetics. However, in most cases, renal disease is avoidable.

Controlling blood pressure is one of the key preventative measures that reduce the risk of kidney disease in adults, and you may do this by limiting the amount of salt in your diet, cutting back on alcohol, losing weight, and exercising regularly.

Those who are at risk of developing kidney disease can also seek medication treatment, such as beta-blockers and diuretics.

Myth: Kidney stones are the reason behind kidney disease.

Fact: While kidney stones are unpleasant, they are not a cause of developing renal disease. Kidney stones that cause lasting kidney damage are quite rare. However, if the patient does not change their lifestyle to prevent kidney stones from developing, there is a probability that the risk of renal disease may increase, but this risk will not be primarily due to the recurrence of kidney stones.

Myth: Frequent urination is a good sign of a healthy kidney.

Fact: Quite the contrary. Healthy kidneys may concentrate urine up to 2 cups while still successfully removing body waste. This capacity is lost in diseased kidneys. In fact, frequent urination is one of the first symptoms that anything is wrong. Kidneys that are unable to concentrate produce a significant amount of urine while failing to remove waste materials. This causes frequent urination and, as a result, an increased sensation of thirst as well. Undiagnosed or poorly treated diabetes and hormone imbalances are all causes of frequent urination.

Myth: If you have kidney disease, you will know.

Fact:  As per our expert practicing kidney transplant in India, those who are unfamiliar with the specifics of kidney disease frequently assume that you will know if you have kidney disease because you will be in pain.

The presumption that you will exhibit symptoms is valid in some situations. You might feel tired, have difficulties sleeping, have dry skin, or notice blood in your pee.

Despite these potential markers of kidney disease, many people might go for long periods of time without experiencing any symptoms. These symptoms frequently appear only after the disease has progressed to an advanced stage.

Myth: Kidney disease is rare.

Fact: Kidney disease is an extremely common condition. In fact, kidney disease complications kill more individuals each year than breast and colon cancer combined. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with kidney disease.

Myth: Chronic kidney disease is curable.

Fact: Chronic renal disease cannot be cured. However, if the condition is discovered early enough, the course of the disease and renal failure can be halted. Reducing sodium intake and eating healthy, quitting smoking, and exercising frequently are all activities that may help to slow down the progression.

If CKD (chronic kidney disease) develops into renal failure, dialysis or a kidney transplant will be required.

Myth: If you don’t have any problems passing urine, it means your kidneys are safe.

Fact: Symptoms of kidney disease do not appear until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. As a result, the absence of visible symptoms is no guarantee that a person does not have the renal disease; it should be thoroughly ruled out by doing proper medical testing.

Myth: Kidney failure is accompanied by lower back or side pain.

Fact: As per the best kidney transplant surgeon in Kolkata, pain is not one of the most prevalent symptoms. In most circumstances, the kidneys only cause discomfort when urine flow out of the kidney is obstructed, such as when passing a kidney stone, or when there is a serious kidney infection. Kidney failure caused by the majority of other illnesses is completely painless. A musculoskeletal problem is the most common cause of lower back and side pain.

When it comes to the health of your pair of kidneys, it is essential to separate the facts from the myths. Get your kidney health checked by our elite group of kidney doctors in Kolkata and reduce the chances of developing kidney disease.