1 in 5 Indians at risk of kidney disease: Study

N the bustling heart of India's cities and the quiet corners of its villages, a silent crisis is brewing — chronic kidney disease (CKD), often going unnoticed till later stages and is steadily becoming one of the country's most pressing public health challenges.

- ASHISH SRIVASTAVA @ New Delhi

The latest research published in the Nephrology journal underscores the alarming rise in CKD cases across India. Analyzing data from 2011 to 2023, the study found that CKD prevalence among individuals aged 15 and above increased from 11.2% (2011-17) to 16.38% (2018-23).

With kidney disease affecting close to one-fifth of India's population, late diagnosis and limited access to treatment are turning it into a silent epidemic.

According to experts, in the early stages, symptoms are often minimal or go unnoticed, making it difficult for individuals to recognise the condition until it has progressed to a more advanced stage.

"Most people don't realise their kidneys are failing until it's too late. By the time symptoms appear, including fatigue, swelling, or breathlessness, the majority of kidney function is already lost. At this stage, the damage is usually irreversible, making early detection through routine screening crucial," said Dr Umesh Gupta, director, nephrology, Aakash Healthcare, Delhi.