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Why Do Kidney Disease Patients Experience Itching? Understanding the Causes and Solutions

  Kidney disease, particularly chronic kidney disease (CKD) , often brings with it a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. One such symptom that can be particularly distressing is itching , also known as pruritus . This intense, persistent itch can significantly reduce the quality of life for many patients and is frequently experienced by those undergoing dialysis or suffering from advanced kidney dysfunction. But why does this happen? Let’s dive into the reasons behind this common symptom and explore some of the ways it can be managed. What Causes Itching in Kidney Disease Patients? 1. Uremic Pruritus: The Role of Waste Buildup One of the primary reasons kidney disease patients experience itching is due to uremic pruritus . In a healthy kidney, waste products like urea and creatinine are filtered from the blood and excreted through urine. However, when the kidneys are damaged, they cannot filter out these waste products effectively, leading to a buildup of toxins in the bloodstrea...
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Take Charge of Your Kidney Health- Dr Debabrata Mukherjee

  Take Charge of Your Kidney Health: How to Prevent Creatinine Levels from Rising Your kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste from your blood and maintaining your body's balance of fluids and electrolytes. When kidney function begins to decline, one of the early indicators is an increase in creatinine levels, a waste product generated from muscle metabolism. Elevated creatinine can be a sign of kidney dysfunction, and if left unchecked, it can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). The good news is that, with careful attention to your diet, lifestyle, and medical care, you can manage your creatinine levels and protect your kidneys from further damage. Early intervention and regular monitoring are key to maintaining optimal kidney function and avoiding more serious complications. In this blog, we’ll discuss practical strategies to prevent creatinine from rising and improve your kidney health. 1. Limit Protein Intake Protein is essential for your body, but consuming too m...
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Understanding Lithotripsy: A Modern Solution to Kidney Stones

  By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee, Sr. Consultant Nephrologist Kidney stones —those small, hard deposits of minerals and salts—are a common but often painful problem. While many stones can pass on their own, larger or more problematic stones may require medical intervention. One such intervention is lithotripsy , a groundbreaking procedure that has revolutionized the way we treat kidney stones. As a urologist with years of experience, I frequently recommend lithotripsy to my patients, and here’s why. What is Lithotripsy? Lithotripsy is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves or lasers to break kidney stones into tiny fragments. These fragments can then pass out of the body through urine. The word “lithotripsy” comes from the Greek words lithos (stone) and tripsis (crushing), which is exactly what this procedure does—breaks down stones. Types of Lithotripsy There are a few types of lithotripsy, each suited for different situations: Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (...
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How Delhi’s Winter Air Pollution Affects Your Kidney Health

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  By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee | Nephrologist & Kidney Health Specialist As winter sets in across Delhi-NCR, many of us prepare for cooler temperatures, festivals, and unfortunately — poor air quality. While most people are aware of how pollution affects the lungs and heart, very few realize the silent impact it can have on your kidneys . Let’s understand how the air we breathe — especially during Delhi’s winter smog — can harm your kidney health, and what you can do to protect yourself.  The Air We Breathe in Winters Delhi’s air quality often dips to "very poor" or "severe" levels during winter months. This is due to a combination of: Low temperatures trapping pollutants close to the ground (temperature inversion) Stubble burning in nearby states Increased use of diesel generators, heaters, and firewood Reduced wind speed and poor dispersion of particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) You may not always see the damage, but your internal organs — especially...
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Location: Medanta- The Medicity, CH Baktawar Singh Rd, Medicity, Islampur Colony, Sector 38, Gurugram, Haryana 122001, India
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Understanding Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): When Your Kidneys Suddenly Struggle

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  Understanding Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): When Your Kidneys Suddenly Struggle By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee Senior Director – Renal Sciences, Medanta The Medicity, Gurugram What is Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)? Acute Kidney Injury, or AKI, refers to a sudden and rapid decline in kidney function , which can occur over hours or days. In AKI, the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products, balance fluids, and regulate electrolytes — essential functions for life. This condition requires prompt diagnosis and treatment because, if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications or even become life-threatening. Why Does AKI Happen? AKI can be broadly categorized into three major types , depending on the underlying cause: 🩸 1. Prerenal AKI: Decreased Blood Flow to the Kidneys This is the most common form and occurs due to reduced blood supply to the kidneys , often without direct kidney damage. Common causes include: Severe dehydration (hypovolemia) Major blood ...
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Location: Medanta- The Medicity, CH Baktawar Singh Rd, Medicity, Islampur Colony, Sector 38, Gurugram, Haryana 122001, India
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Can Drinking Too Much Water Harm Your Kidneys?

  By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee Senior Director Renal Sciences  Medanta Medicity, Gurugram ✅ Water is essential — but is more always better? We’ve all heard that staying hydrated is good for our health. And yes — drinking enough water is crucial for many bodily functions, especially for your kidneys , which work hard to filter waste from your blood. But here's an important question I often get from patients: "Can drinking too much water actually harm your kidneys?" Let’s break it down. 🩺 The Role of Water in Kidney Health Your kidneys rely on water to: Remove waste and toxins through urine Regulate fluid and electrolyte balance Maintain healthy blood pressure In general, staying well-hydrated helps your kidneys function properly and can even help prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs) . ⚠️ When Water Intake Becomes Too Much While dehydration is harmful, overhydration can also be dangerous — though it’s less common. Drinking excessi...
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Environmental Pollution and Kidney Disease

  Environmental Pollution and Kidney Disease: Protecting the Kidneys from the Outside In By Dr. Debabrata Mukherjee, Consultant Nephrologist, Medanta Medicity, Gurugram 🌍 Introduction In recent years, kidney disease has emerged as a major public health challenge—not just due to lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension, but increasingly due to environmental exposures . What we breathe, drink, and eat is now silently affecting our kidney health. As a nephrologist, I believe it is time we broaden our understanding of kidney protection . Medications and dialysis are no longer enough. We must look outward—to the air, water, and soil—to protect this vital organ. 🌫️ Air Pollution: The Invisible Kidney Risk Among the most alarming findings is the link between fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and accelerated kidney function decline . Studies have shown that long-term exposure to polluted air can lead to a faster drop in eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate), especi...
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Location: Gurugram, Haryana, India
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