As the world observes World Kidney Day on March 13, medical experts are sounding the alarm over the increasing prevalence of kidney-related ailments among young Indians. Traditionally considered a health concern for older individuals, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is now showing up even among teenagers and young adults, fueled by poor lifestyle choices, unregulated supplement consumption, and lack of awareness.
Studies indicate that kidney problems affect approximately 10 to 15% of Indians, cutting across all age groups, including teenagers. Unlike other ailments, early-stage kidney disease does not present obvious warning signs like swelling or changes in urine output, making regular screening essential, says Manisha Sahay, professor and head of the department of nephrology at Osmania General Hospital. She warns that kidney disease is a silent killer, often showing no symptoms in its early stages.
The need for testing among high-risk groups
“In many countries, routine kidney function tests such as urine albumin and creatinine blood tests are conducted annually. These tests are inexpensive yet provide crucial insights into kidney health. In India, at the very least, high-risk individuals should undergo these tests,” Dr. Manisha says. She identifies high-risk groups, as those individuals with diabetes, hypertension, cardiac conditions, obesity, or a family history of kidney disease. Young people exposed to pesticides, frequent users of painkillers, and women with pregnancy-related hypertension are also vulnerable.
Addressing the need for lifestyle modifications, Dr. Manisha stresses the importance of maintaining ideal body weight through regular exercise, consuming a balanced diet, and limiting salt intake to five grams per day. She advises against excessive fast food consumption and hidden sources of sodium, such as soy sauce, recommending natural seasonings like lemon and black pepper instead. Staying hydrated, ensuring six to eight hours of sleep, and managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels are crucial steps toward kidney health.
Supplements, inadequate water increase risk
The rising concern over kidney health among young people is echoed by Avula Naveen Reddy, consultant nephrologist at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU). He has observed a significant increase in kidney-related cases among Gen Z (individuals born between 1997 and 2012). “Many gym-goers report elevated serum creatinine levels, while some experience protein leakage in their urine. Additionally, stress and inadequate water intake among students are leading to a higher incidence of urinary infections,” he explains.
At AINU, three to four kidney-related cases involving individuals aged 16 to 20 years are reported each month, a noticeable rise compared to previous years. Routine screenings, particularly for students planning to study abroad, have revealed underlying kidney issues that may have otherwise gone undiagnosed. Dr. Reddy urges young individuals to avoid over-the-counter painkillers, minimise whey protein supplements, and focus on plant-based protein sources. He also highlights the importance of proper hydration, noting that many students reduce their water intake due to poorly maintained restrooms in schools and colleges, increasing their risk of kidney stones and urinary infections.
Symptoms such as excessive foaming in urine (a sign of protein leakage), fever with abdominal pain, a burning sensation while urinating, and traces of blood in urine should not be ignored. While these conditions may not always be life-threatening, early detection and timely intervention are crucial, Dr. Reddy notes.
Awareness remains low
Despite the increasing prevalence of kidney-related issues among young Indians, awareness remains alarmingly low. Experts stress that prevention is far more effective than treatment, as dialysis and kidney transplants remain inaccessible for many due to limited resources. “India performs around 15,000 kidney transplants per year, while the demand is nearly two lakh. With each dialysis session requiring around 125 litres of water, even expanding dialysis facilities cannot meet the growing need. The only viable solution is to prevent kidney failure in the first place,” Dr. Manisha points out.
D. Sree Bhushan Raju, professor and head of the department of nephrology at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), highlights additional risk factors. Preterm babies with a birth weight below 2.5 kilograms are at a higher risk of developing kidney-related complications later in life. Teenagers and young adults aged 15 to 20 who are obese, as well as those with a family history of kidney disease, also face increased vulnerability. Additionally, individuals with childhood kidney conditions such as nephrotic syndrome, which leads to excessive protein loss and body swelling must be closely monitored. Structural kidney abnormalities requiring early surgery further heighten the risk of kidney disease in adulthood.
One of the most ignored warning signs is the presence of blood in urine, which many dismiss as a one-time occurrence. Dr. Raju also raises concerns over the widespread use of protein supplements like whey protein and creatine among gym-goers, which can contribute to kidney damage. The prolonged use of painkillers, antacids, and other medications without medical supervision only exacerbates the risk.
Hypertension and diabetes, sometimes detected accidentally, are also significant contributors to kidney disease. Dr. Raju explains that CKD often remains asymptomatic until nearly 90% of kidney function is lost. Even when symptoms appear, they are frequently mistaken for unrelated issues, such as back pain. A common misconception is that kidney failure leads to reduced urine output; in reality, many patients on dialysis still pass normal amounts of urine, he said.
To combat this silent progression, Dr. Raju recommends that individuals at high risk undergo creatinine tests every six months. Those with a family history of kidney problems or other risk factors should opt for annual check-ups. He also advises preterm and low-birth-weight individuals to avoid excessive physical exertion aimed at rapid weight gain and warns against the unregulated use of supplements and medications.
For children, kidney disease can arise from conditions such as cystic dysplastic kidneys, polycystic kidneys, hereditary kidney diseases, and chronic glomerular and tubular disorders. According to V.V.R. Satya Prasad, senior consultant paediatric nephrologist at Rainbow Children’s Hospital, CKD is irreversible and requires dialysis or kidney transplantation for survival. Since kidneys filter waste and fluids from the blood, their failure results in harmful waste accumulation, leading to high blood pressure and, ultimately, kidney failure. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) occurs when kidneys lose 90% of function, necessitating urgent medical intervention.
With kidney disease cases rising among the younger generation, prioritising routine screenings, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and staying vigilant about early symptoms can help curb this growing health crisis before it escalates further.
Published – March 14, 2025 04:00 am IST