Docs highlight why people with kidney disease need to take care during monsoon 

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The monsoon brings relief from the heat but also increases the risk of infections, dehydration, and even water-borne illnesses. While everybody should generally take care, those living with kidney disease should take necessary precautions and stay safe during the monsoon. 

Doctors say it is because the rainy season is linked to pleasant weather but can also turn into a nightmare due to infections, contaminated water, and even seasonal illnesses. Hence, people diagnosed with kidney problems will have to stay vigilant during the monsoon. 

It is important to understand that if someone has chronic kidney disease (CKD), is on dialysis, has undergone a kidney transplant, or suffers from recurrent kidney stones, they will have to follow the expert’s guidelines without fail. 

So, it is necessary to take preventive measures, go for regular follow-ups to protect kidney health during monsoon, and stay healthy. 

Why are kidney patients more vulnerable? 

Dr Jyoti Bansode, consultant Nephrology & Kidney Transplant Physician at NewEra Hospitals in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, explains, “People with kidney disease tend to have weak immunity and can be at risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), dehydration, stomach infections, leptospirosis, and viral infections, which can stress the kidneys. Still, many people fail to take care of themselves during the monsoon. Likewise, even kidney transplant recipients and patients taking medicines that suppress the immune system are at an even higher risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, viral respiratory infections like influenza, and fungal infections.”
 
The city-based expert says you can follow these tips: It is imperative to maintain good hygiene, have boiled and filtered water, avoid eating from unhygienic places, say no to street food, eat a balanced diet, take medication as prescribed by the doctor, opt for freshly home-cooked meals, attend every scheduled dialysis session, and avoid missing appointments due to heavy rains. Patients with kidney stones should stay hydrated as advised by the doctor. Those with chronic kidney disease should follow the fluid and dietary recommendations without fail. Seek immediate attention for fever, painful urination, swelling in the legs and face, reduced urination, vomiting, and diarrhoea. It is also important for kidney patients to avoid self-medication. Avoid taking over-the-counter painkillers for fever or body aches without consulting a doctor, as these drugs can impact the kidney function. Don’t walk barefoot in muddy water or floodwater and reduce the risk of leptospirosis and fungal infections, this is especially important for people with diabetes. 

She further reminds that people need to stay updated with influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations as recommended, especially for CKD patients and transplant recipients. 

Dr Amar Kulkarni, consultant nephrologist, Medicover Hospitals, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, highlights, “Monsoon can cause a plethora of health problems, including infections, dehydration, and water-borne illnesses, which may put stress on already vulnerable kidneys. It will be essential for people with chronic kidney disease, those on dialysis, and kidney transplant recipients to exercise caution when it comes to food and water hygiene during the rainy season. Make sure to avoid contaminated water, unhygienic food, and self-medication. Try to take medication and follow the dialysis schedule as recommended by the doctor.  Ensure you report signs and symptoms such as fever, reduced urine output, swelling, vomiting, or painful urination to the doctor. It is necessary for kidney patients to stay safe during the monsoon.”