Latest news with #AsianInstituteofNephrologyandUrology


India Today
21 hours ago
- Health
- India Today
Overactive bladder? Five lifestyle changes that promise big relief
Overactive bladder affects millions of Indians, manifesting as sudden, uncontrollable urges to urinate, frequent trips to the washroom and sometimes embarrassing leakage. While medication and bladder-training remain mainstays of the treatment, research shows that a few key lifestyle adjustments can significantly ease the symptoms. Dr Mahesh Babu, consultant urologist at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Secunderabad, explains five evidence-backed changes that really work:Mind your fluids: Many people with overactive bladder instinctively cut down on all fluids, but severe restriction can irritate the bladder and worsen urgency. Instead, aim for a balanced fluid intake of about 1.5-2 litres daily, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Avoid drinking large quantities all at once, especially before bedtime. Distribute fluids evenly through the day to reduce nighttime trips to the bladder irritants: Certain foods and drinks are notorious for triggering urgency. Caffeine, found in tea, coffee and many soft drinks, is a well-known culprit. Alcohol can irritate the bladder lining and increase urine production. Spicy foods, artificial sweeteners and acidic (citrus) items can also worsen the symptoms for some. Keep a food diary to pinpoint your personal triggers and eliminate or reduce them healthy weight: Excess weight increases abdominal pressure, putting extra stress on the bladder and pelvic floor muscles. Several studies have shown that even modest weight-loss (5-10 per cent of body weight) can decrease urinary frequency and urgency episodes. Incorporate regular exercise, such as brisk walking, yoga or swimming, to support both weight management and pelvic muscle strength. Train the bladder: Bladder retraining is an effective behavioural technique. Start by scheduling bathroom visits every hour, regardless of urge. Over time, increase the interval between voids by 15-30 minutes each week. This helps the bladder hold more urine comfortably and reduces signals of over-activity. While progress can take weeks, consistent practice yields lasting your pelvic floor: Strong pelvic floor muscles provide crucial support to the bladder and help control sudden urges. Kegel exercises—contracting and relaxing the muscles that stop urine flow—are proven to reduce leakage and urgency. Aim for at least three sets of 10 contractions daily. If you're unsure whether you're doing them correctly, a physiotherapist specialising in pelvic floor health can guide to India Today Magazine- Ends

The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Cancer survivor's kidney saves son's life
A cancer survivor gave a new lease of life to his son by donating one of his kidneys, after his son was diagnosed with Alport syndrome— a rare genetic disorder that affects the functioning of the kidney. A team of nephrologists and urologists performed the transplant at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), Visakhapatnam. The procedure saved the young man from undergoing regular dialysis. The 37-year-old recipient, Yedla Lakshmanudu said: 'We are from Pithapuram. Six months ago, I had vomiting twice and was taken to a hospital in our town. I was diagnosed with kidney disease and was on dialysis for two months. Subsequently, I was referred to AINU and came here. The doctors informed me that I had to undergo kidney transplant. My father, Yedla Paidiyya, despite having undergone cancer treatment in the past, agreed to donate his kidney. After the surgery, I was kept under observation for eight days. I am fine now and back to my routine chores. My father is also fine.' Dr. Uday Dipakrao Gajare, consultant nephrologist, AINU, said that Alport syndrome affects one or two individuals per lakh . The disorder affects kidney function, hearing and vision. In Lakshmanudu's case only the kidneys were affected. The X-linked variant found in Lakshmanudu is typically passed on from mother to son, with daughters being carriers. Dr. G. Ravindra Varma, senior consultant urologist, transplant surgeon, and MD of the hospital, said removal of one of the two kidneys does not affect a healthy donor's day-to-day functioning. Kidney transplant from live, and related donor is more successful than a cadaver transplant. Hence, when live blood relations with matching group are available, it was always better to go for live donors. Dr. Amit Saple, senior consultant urologist, transplant surgeon and executive director of the hospital, also addressed the media.


The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
High-risk patient relieved of BPH through minimally invasive procedure
The Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), Visakhapatnam, successfully performed the UroLift procedure on a 72-year-old man with a history of heart problems, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and long-term catheter use due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The patient had previously undergone several failed attempts to remove the catheter. Given his high cardiac and anaesthetic risk, G. Ravindra Varma, managing director and senior consultant urologist, chose the UroLift system — a minimally invasive procedure — which he safely performed under local anaesthesia. He was joined by Amit Saple, executive director and senior consultant urologist, and P. Sridhar, consultant urologist, in executing the intervention. The UroLift system uses tiny implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, thereby restoring normal urine flow without cutting or removing tissue. After the procedure, the patient was able to void spontaneously and is now catheter-free, significantly improving his comfort and quality of life, according to a statement issued by the hospital.


Hindustan Times
02-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Can summer increase the risk of kidney stones? Doctor shares tips to stay safe
Kidney stones are hard, crystalline deposits that form inside the kidneys when certain substances in the urine, like salts and minerals, become concentrated enough to crystallise. While there are many contributing factors, the risk of developing kidney stones tends to rise significantly during the summer months. But what makes the hot season a trigger? Also read | Kidney stones: Warning signs and symptoms, reasons, treatment; how to prevent Speaking to HT Lifestyle, Dr. Amit Saple, Consultant Urologist at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology in Vizag, explained: 'In summer, the body loses more water through sweating, which can lead to concentrated urine. When urine becomes more concentrated, minerals and salts are more likely to crystallize and form stones. Summer activities like outdoor sports or labor-intensive work can further worsen dehydration if not balanced with sufficient fluid intake.' Dr. Saple outlined the most common types of kidney stones seen in patients: Calcium oxalate stones: The most common type, often linked to high levels of calcium in the urine. Uric acid stones: More prevalent among people with chronic diarrhea, malabsorption, high-protein diets, or conditions like diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Also read | Signs of kidney stones to watch out for, prevention and treatment tips Struvite stones: Typically associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs). To reduce your risk of kidney stones during the hotter months, Dr. Saple recommends the following: Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to dilute your urine and flush out excess minerals. Check your urine colour: Dark yellow or amber-colored urine is often a sign of dehydration—aim for pale straw-colored urine. Eat smart: Avoid overconsumption of oxalate-rich foods like spinach, beets, and rhubarb. Limit salt and animal protein: High salt and excessive animal protein can increase the chances of stone formation. Also read | World Kidney Day 2025: If you have kidney stones, you should avoid carbonated drinks; here's why 'Kidney stones can be extremely painful and may lead to serious complications if left untreated. If you experience symptoms like intense pain, nausea, or vomiting, consult a doctor immediately,' Dr. Saple emphasised. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.