KATHMANDU:A study conducted by Bir Hospital, Nepal’s oldest medical institution, suggests that 90 percent of kidney failures can be prevented through timely diagnosis and medical intervention.

The study analyzed 500 patients who suffered kidney failure after the organ became dysfunctional. The findings indicate that 470 of these cases could have been avoided with prompt treatment, leaving only 30 cases deemed unavoidable.

According to Chief Consultant of the Department of Urology, Professor Dr Robin Bahadur Basnet, the lack of regular kidney check-ups and insufficient public awareness about kidney health have posed significant challenges in addressing the situation of kidney failure. Many patients had a prior history of kidney stones.

Among the 500 cases studied, 65 percent were caused by kidney stones, 15 percent had a hereditary history, 10 percent were due to kidney cancer, and four percent were attributed to other infections. Kidney stones often cause blockages in the urinary tract, leading to kidney swelling.

Many patients remain unaware of the issue because the second kidney compensates for the impaired one. Dr Basnet added that congenital kidney blockages can lead to kidney failure between the ages of 20 and 30. Globally, one to four percent of people are born with only one kidney.

Other major contributing factors to renal failure include dehydration, diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption. Additionally, the non-prescribed use of painkillers such as ibuprofen and nimesulide can damage the kidneys.

Among the 500 patients, 220 were visiting the hospital for the first time, according to him. The study also suggests that females are 1.5 times more prone to kidney failure than males.

Dr Basnet recommends lifestyle changes to protect kidney health, including drinking three liters of water daily, maintaining a healthy weight to prevent obesity, consuming plenty of fruits, and undergoing regular kidney check-ups.