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Showing posts from September, 2025

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...

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 ...

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...