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The recent passing of veteran actor Satish Shah has reignited conversations about kidney health in India – a growing but often underestimated medical concern. The actor underwent a kidney transplant a few months ago, but he passed away due to cardiac arrest. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects millions of Indians, many of whom discover it only when significant damage has already occurred. As the condition progresses quietly, experts warn that awareness, early screening, and lifestyle balance are the most effective ways to prevent irreversible damage. The Silent Nature Of Kidney Disease Kidney disease is often described as a “silent killer” – one that progresses without obvious symptoms until the kidneys are severely impaired. Dr. Mukesh Batra, Founder-Chairman Emeritus, Dr Batra’s Healthcare, explains, “The kidneys have an incredible reserve capacity, so they can still perform fairly well even after losing 70–80% of their function. In the early stages, people may only experience vague signs such as tiredness, mild swelling, or back discomfort, which are often mistaken for stress or aging.” From a holistic perspective, he adds that these early warning signs represent deeper imbalances in the body’s ability to filter and eliminate waste – something most people overlook until it’s too late. Rising Burden And Risk Factors In India The scale of the issue is daunting. Dr. Ashwini Sharma, Senior Consultant – Nephrology & Renal Transplant, CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, notes, “Kidney failure cases in India are rising rapidly, with millions at risk – many unaware of their condition until it reaches an advanced stage.” The reasons are multifold: diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles top the list. Dr. Krishna Chaitanya Gunda, Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician at Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Chennai, notes, “Diabetes and hypertension account for nearly 60–70% of kidney failure cases in India. Unhealthy habits such as high salt intake, smoking, dehydration, and misuse of painkillers further accelerate kidney damage.” Prevention Through Screening And Smart Choices All three experts stress that early detection is the most powerful intervention. Regular check-ups, including kidney function tests, urine analysis, and ultrasound, are vital for those with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease. Dr. Batra recommends that at-risk individuals test kidney function at least once a year and older adults every 12–18 months. “Even if you feel healthy, testing your creatinine and eGFR can reveal early kidney stress,” he advises. Lifestyle also plays a decisive role. Staying hydrated, reducing salt and processed foods, avoiding unnecessary painkillers, and maintaining optimal blood pressure and sugar levels can significantly reduce risk. New Frontiers In Kidney Care Advancements in nephrology have transformed patient outcomes. Dr. Gunda points to innovations such as high-flux hemodialysis, automated peritoneal dialysis, and robotic renal transplantation. “AI-based screening tools now help in early detection, while new drugs like SGLT2 inhibitors protect kidney function in diabetic and hypertensive patients,” he explains. Dr. Sharma adds that India’s transplant network is expanding, aided by government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri National Dialysis Programme and state-level organ donation drives. A Holistic Path Forward While technology and modern medicine offer hope, experts agree that prevention and awareness remain the cornerstones of kidney health. Combining conventional medicine with holistic support, stress management, and balanced living can enhance both physical and emotional well-being. By prioritising regular screening, healthy habits, and early medical intervention, India can turn the tide on chronic kidney disease by protecting millions from a condition that too often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
