In the last blog, we took an approach to discuss a massive problem in Sri Lanka that everybody knows well, but there needs to be more involved in seeking solutions. If you have missed the article, it is better to review it because it is the first of this series of articles. We plan to discuss this problem in a series of articles that come 1 per month. Keep subscribed to our newsletter to ensure you get all the articles of this important series that discusses chronic Kidney diseases in Sri Lanka. This 2nd article will broadly explain the facts that affect kidney diseases in Sri Lanka.
Read the previous article of the series here:-Renal Rundown: Navigating Kidney Diseases in Sri Lanka
Suspected facts that affect Kidney Disease in Sri Lanka
Recent studies have proved that risk factors for the development of CKDu vary widely. However, the disease prevails in households all over Sri Lanka, where groundwater or well water is consumed. According to this, several researchers have hypothesized several risk factors that affect kidney disaeses in Sri Lanka. They are as follows.
- Presence of high levels of fluoride and other possible counterions in water.
- Chronic exposure to agrochemicals and heavy metals: Prolonged exposure to agrochemicals and heavy metals such as arsenic and cadmium through contaminated water, soil, and food is believed to be one of the leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Sri Lanka.
- Dehydration and heat stress: The hot and dry climate in Sri Lanka, combined with low water intake, can lead to dehydration and heat stress, increasing the risk of developing kidney disease.
- Pre-existing conditions: Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are more susceptible to developing kidney disease.
- Lifestyle factors: Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, too much alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity are also linked to an increased risk of kidney disease in Sri Lanka.
- Genetics: Certain genetic factors have also been found to play a role in developing kidney disease in some individuals.
Discussing how these facts affect to development of Kidney Disease spread in Sri Lanka.
The presence of high levels of fluoride and other counterions in water can contribute to the development of Kidney Disease in Sri Lanka.
Studies have shown that chronic exposure to these chemicals through contaminated water sources can lead to the formation of kidney stones and damage to the renal tubules, which are essential for filtering waste products from the blood. This damage can lead to impaired kidney function and chronic kidney disease (CKD) over time.
Fluoride and other counterions can also contribute to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, exacerbating the risk of kidney disease in individuals with pre-existing conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
It is necessary to note that the link between high fluoride levels and kidney disease is complex and needs to be fully understood. Further study is required to determine the problem’s extent and develop effective prevention and treatment strategies for individuals at risk.
How chronic exposure to agrochemicals and heavy metals affects the disease spread.
Chronic exposure to agrochemicals and heavy metals such as arsenic and cadmium through contaminated water, soil, and food is believed to be a significant contributor to the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Sri Lanka.
Agricultural practices involving the heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers have resulted in the contamination of soil and water sources with high levels of toxic chemicals. Consumption of food grown in these contaminated areas, as well as drinking water from contaminated sources, can lead to prolonged exposure to these toxic substances and contribute to the development of CKD.
Heavy metals such as arsenic and cadmium, which are commonly found in Sri Lankan soil and water, can also accumulate in the body over time and cause kidney damage. Chronic exposure to this metal matter can lead to renal tubular dysfunction, glomerular damage, and, eventually, CKD.
How Dehydration and Heat Stress affects chronic Kidney Diseases growth in Sri Lanka
Many rural regions of Sri Lanka where agriculture is prominent are in the dry zone. So, those people are frequently exposed to high amounts of direct sunlight. As a result, the evaporation of water in their body is high which leads to cause dehydration. Dehydration can cause a decrease in blood flow to the kidney. It can cause to damage the kidneys over time. In people with CKD, this can worsen the existing kidney damage and lead to a more rapid progression of the disease.
The other thing is prolonged exposure to high temperatures can increase the risk of kidney disease, particularly in people who are already at risk due to factors such as age, diabetes, and hypertension. In Sri Lanka, where temperatures can be high and access to cooling is limited, this can be a significant problem.
How unhealthy lifestyle factors become one among the facts that affect Kidney Diseases in Sri Lanka
Unhealthy lifestyle factors are common in rural people in the country. So, this is vulnerable among the facts that affect kidney diseases in Sri Lanka. Rural people don’t pay much attention to balanced diets, diet planning, eating food according to a plan, etc. This leads to cause high blood pressure due to high amounts of salt and fat in their foods, lack of correct exercise, obesity, etc. High blood pressure is often linked to contributing to the development of CKD in Sri Lanka. As well as diabetes also affects the development of kidney diseases due to the high consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates including foods is being popular among the people in Sri Lanka. A diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates, lack of exercise, and obesity can all increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Bad habits like heavy alcohol consumption, and smoking, directly affect disease development. Smoking can damage blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney damage and an increased risk of CKD.
How genetics have become a fact that affect Kidney Diseases
Many types of Chronic Kidney Diseases are inherited. It means they are passed down from one generation to the next through genes. In Sri Lanka, there are several inherited kidney diseases, the best examples are autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and Alport syndrome, which can lead to CKD.
Some people may have a genetic susceptibility to environmental factors that can lead to CKD. For example, certain genetic variations can make a person more susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals such as arsenic, which is found at high levels in some parts of Sri Lanka.
Preventing Chronic Kidney Disease among the people in Sri Lanka
Preventative measures such as reducing the use of agrochemicals, improving agricultural practices, and promoting safe drinking water sources can help reduce the incidence of CKD associated with exposure to agrochemicals and heavy metals. Deedmed Lives will explain this further your knowledge in an upcoming article of this series. Keep subscribed to our newsletter to ensure you will never miss an article from the Renal rundown series and other medical updates as well.
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