Tips to take care of Your kidney in Changing Weather
As the planet’s environment proceeds to change and temperatures climb, it’s becoming progressively vital to figure out the effects that climate, explicitly rising heat and cold, can have on our well-being. One organ that is incredibly delicate to temperature changes is the kidney. This article will examine the effects of the changing weather on the kidneys, the relationship between climate change and kidney disease, and offer advice on how to keep kidneys healthy in a variety of climatic conditions.
The Effects of Heat on Kidneys
Hot temperatures can have a deeply problematic and taxing impact on kidney health, leading to kidney ailments and issues like kidney stones, urine infections, and exacerbation of existing kidney ailments says Dr Sujit Chatterjee CEO of Hiranandani Hospital, Dehydration brought on by the hot weather might result in concentrated urine and an increased risk of stone development. Due to higher concentrations of urine, the risk of bacterial infections in urine increases.
Dehydration and its Impact on Kidney Health
Hot weather, as should be obvious, leads to excessive sweating that increases risks of dehydration, which in turn can cause lower blood pressure and result in a staggering amount of damage to the kidneys that reduces kidney function. The possibility/danger of Acute Kidney Injury(AKI) is especially high in people taking blood pressure medications (which are known to cause thinning of the blood), heart medications, and in patients who have had kidney transplant surgery.
Heat Illness and Kidney Function
In severely hot temperatures, heat illness can also occur. Dehydration can lead to low blood volume and consequently, low blood pressure, which decreases blood flow to the kidney and a decrease in kidney function. In the presence of heat illness, many metabolic operations begin to shut down and influence kidney function. Muscles begin to break down, and the breakdown products can damage the kidney.
The Effects of Cold on Kidneys
While heat poses significant risks to kidney health, the same is true for the effect of cold on kidney function. Exposure to excessively low temperatures(-10 degrees C to -50 degrees C) for long periods of time can lead to a decrease in the body’s immune function, which leads to the common cold, which can(in some cases) be related to kidney damage. Additionally, exposure to low temperatures can lead to hypovolemia, atrial dysrhythmias, and cold diuresis, all of which could increase the strain on the kidneys and harm them, says some expert doctors at the Hiranandani Hospital Kidney Transplant.
Climate Change and Kidney Disease
As we see more and more research on the links between kidney disease and climate change, it’s become apparent that with the frequent fluctuations and extreme temperatures caused due to climate change, the risks of kidney disease rise too. The risk of heat-induced kidney diseases such as acute kidney injury and CKD is likely to increase with rising temperatures during the heat wave season and the increase in the incidents/reports of renal diseases is more prominent among poor and middle-income nations that already have high levels of these diseases while experiencing inadequate amenities/equipment for quality renal healthcare.
Kidney Disease and Heat Intolerance
Individuals with kidney disease may also experience heat intolerance, making them more susceptible to the harmful effects of high temperatures. This heat intolerance can exacerbate existing kidney conditions and increase the risk of developing new kidney ailments.
Tips to Prevent Kidney Ailments in Hot Weather
To maintain kidney health and prevent kidney-related issues in hot temperatures, consider implementing the following tips:
Possess sufficient hydration with a combination of fluids like raw drinks such as coconut water, buttermilk, water, and green tea.
Monitor urine colour to ensure hydration. If the colour is like water, it suggests adequate hydration.
Avoid using painkillers that can cause damage to the kidneys, such as Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen, diclofenac, nimesulide, and Cox 2 inhibitors like Coxibs. These can cause severe kidney damage when in a dehydrated state.
Consult your doctor if you are a patient taking multiple medications, to discuss the adjustment of medications in hot weather conditions.
Conclusion
As climate change continues to affect global temperatures, it is crucial to understand the impacts that heat and cold can have on kidney health. By staying informed and adopting preventative measures, individuals can protect their kidneys and maintain overall health in the face of changing weather conditions. If you are someone who is at a higher level of risk of getting your kidney function affected, keep yourself updated with Hiranandani Hospital Powai News to know how to take care of your kidney.
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