Fisherfolk at higher risk of chronic kidney disease, says nephrologist

Time of India

9 hours ago

Panaji:
For over two decades, a high incidence of chronic renal disease has been reported in the coastal villages of Canacona. Dr Narayan Prasad, head of the nephrology department of Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, said the occurrence of the disease among the fishing community, people working in salt pans and those living in coastal areas has been peculiar.
He was speaking on 'Renal healthcare in India: Understanding environmental exposures and social determinants' at an event organised by the Goa University.
He listed heat stress and dehydration as the key causes. 'Coastal people often tend to skip water consumption, exposing themselves to the disease,' said Prasad in his talk.
A health official of the community health centre, Canacona, said that currently, there are more than 190 people listed for dialysis.
Citing a study on chronic kidney disease of uncertain aetiology (CKDu), Prasad said that a 2009 medical camp in Canacona indicated a high prevalence of CKDu in residents. As many as 298 urine samples were collected, and nearly 24% of the participants showed urinal abnormalities, he quoted the study.
'The disease can also be attributed to the presence of mycotoxin in mouldy cereals, food products and aromatic compounds found in drinking water,' the research found.
Prasad also presented other case studies that analysed the prevalence of CKDu in coastal people of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Goa, and union territories of Puducherry and Daman and Diu.
Prasad said by virtue of their occupation, which is likely to be either agriculture or fisheries, or both, people are likely to be more susceptible to having CKDu. 'Coastal areas and agricultural lands are high-heat areas. Spending long hours here leads to dehydration, slowly affecting the kidneys. Similarly, exposure to toxic agro chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers further exacerbates the problem,' he said.
'With rest and adequate water consumption, kidney injury markers can be reduced. A multi-disciplinary approach to sociological, occupational, legal and policy framework can be helpful to bring down CKDu cases,' the doctor said.
Excess uric acid doesn't just lead to kidney stones— over time, it can also damage tissues in the kidney. Studies show that high uric acid levels are linked with a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this health condition, one's kidney function declines slowly and progressively. For the unversed, the kidneys help filter out waste from the blood and it is removed along with urine from the body. However, when the kidneys don't function properly it could lead to build of toxins— including uric acid— in the blood. CKD may not show any early symptoms, it can cause high blood pressure (BP), fatigue, and even kidney failure in extreme cases. Managing uric acid early through lifestyle changes, exercise, hydration, and regular health check-ups is important to protect long-term kidney health.