Share this @internewscast.com

There has been a drastic rise in CKD in patients who did not have any genetic predispositions to this disease. (Photo: Freepik)

According to a nephrologist, while there are a few kidney disorders that can be passed down through a gene variant, it is quite rare. “In most cases related to kidney malfunctioning, genetics cannot be considered as the prime factor,” he says.

There are many diseases that run in the family and if you have a close relative or a parent suffering, know that you may also be predisposed to them. Is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) one of them? According to Dr Siddharth Lakhani, consultant-nephrologist at SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim — a Fortis associate — there are several instances wherein kidney diseases affect some families more than others, and understanding what links it to genetic factors is crucial in order to help individuals at risk.

Dr Lakhani states that lately, there has been a “drastic rise” in CKD in patients who did not have “any genetic predispositions” to this disease. “[They] visited hospitals for routine check-ups and were diagnosed with CKD that was not linked to comorbidities like diabetes, high blood pressure or kidney stones. In other words, patients from the same family were diagnosed, even though they were not genetically at risk of getting this disease,” he says.

Can CKD be inherited or is it environmental?

According to the nephrologist, while there are a few kidney disorders that can be passed down through a gene variant, it is quite rare. “In most cases related to kidney malfunctioning, genetics cannot be considered as the prime factor. Environmental and social factors — determinants of health (SDoH) — are significant triggers that can set off the development of kidney disease, especially within the same family,” he says, adding that these include lifestyle habits (eating and exercise), increased exposure to pollution, employment and income, housing, and access to healthcare.

How to prevent CKD

The doctor says one should follow certain simple measures to ensure timely diagnosis and early detection; read on.

  1. Preventive health check-ups: These help individuals receive an early diagnosis of whether they suffer from any medical condition. “Even if you do not have any symptoms related to kidney disease, it is best to get tested, especially if you have a family member who has or is suffering from kidney-related disorders,” says Dr Lakhani.
  2. Healthy lifestyle changes: The expert says that making healthier choices can “reduce your risk of many non-communicable diseases, including CKD”. Controlling your blood pressure and sugar levels, focusing on a healthy diet low in salt and fat, not smoking or drinking, and being physically active and losing weight can help.
  3. Talk to family: “Suppose you or anyone in your family has an issue with kidney functioning, evaluate the rest of the family for the same condition to avoid unnecessary complications.”



Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Faulty Tests Drive Silent Epidemic Across the US, Putting Thousands at Risk for Chronic Diseases

Thousands could be at risk of suffering from a chronic disease this…

Eliminating Guilt and Finding Hope: An NHS Change That Makes a Difference

Sometimes I feel guilty that I haven’t died yet. This isn’t the…

Artificial Sweetener Potentially Connected to Highly Aggressive Brain Cancer

A recent Chinese study has uncovered a concerning relationship between aspartame, a…

Widely Used Supplement Causes Liver Damage, Leaving One Woman Hospitalized

A New Jersey woman has vowed never to take a supplement again…

Distinguishing Between Heat Exhaustion and Sunstroke: A Doctor Explains

Dr Angela Rai, GP at The London General Practice, spoke exclusively to…

Doctors Dismissed My Heart Flutter as Anxiety, Until I Coughed Up Blood

Lindsay Herriott, 40, had an easy pregnancy, giving birth in September 2022…

Unexpected Questions That Arise When Facing Incurable Cancer

Lying peacefully on the bed the man smiled and quietly exclaimed he…

Groundbreaking Discovery in Alzheimer’s Treatment Could Revolutionize Disease Cure

Scientists have uncovered a new group of rogue proteins in the brain…

“I Tried Removing My Rotten Teeth with a Shoelace – It Wasn’t as Easy as I Expected”

A man who ‘sawed out’ his rotten teeth with a shoelace has…

US State Faces Outbreak of Rare Medieval Disease, Officials Caution on Potential Future Cases

An Arizona resident had succumbed to the Black Death, marking the county’s…

Starmer’s NHS Strategy Overlooks Key Issue: My Daughter Passed Away After 6-Hour Ambulance Delay

A dad who lost his daughter after a six-hour ambulance wait has…