Can environmental pollution affect kidney health without obvious symptoms?

Environmental pollution is often linked to ailments like respiratory diseases, allergies and cardiac ailments. Nevertheless, its effect on kidney health is not often highlighted. Though the kidneys are important organs that function as filters to remove impurities from the blood, control fluid and electrolyte balance, and ensure regular blood pressure, polluted air, contaminated water and exposure to hazardous chemicals may hurt kidney functionality without causing striking signs or symptoms at the beginning.

How does environmental pollution affect the kidneys?

Kidneys receive a large amount of blood and invariably cleanse blood of its wastes and excess fluids. Pollutants may enter the body via inhalation of polluted air and through ingestion of contaminated food and water. If toxins get absorbed, they can get to the kidneys and cause inflammation and oxidative stress, as well as damage to kidney cells. The results of pollution impact depend on the type of pollutant, concentration and duration of exposure, as well as the state of health and medical history.

Which pollutants can harm kidney health?

1. Air pollution: Breathing in fine particles like PM2.5 can damage your body. Studies have shown that consistent exposure to air pollution is linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney deterioration, but additional studies must be done to determine the relationship.
2. Heavy metals: Toxic metals such as lead and cadmium can lead to kidney damage after prolonged exposure. These heavy metals can enter the body through contaminated water, food, industry or through your work environment, and if you continue exposure to heavy metals, you may suffer from kidney issues.
3. Contaminated drinking water: Water that contains harmful toxins or heavy metals can have a long-lasting negative impact on your health. Regular exposure to certain types of contamination can affect kidney function, depending on the level and duration of exposure
4. Chronic kidney disease of unknown cause (CKDu): CKDu is a growing public health issue, especially in certain farming areas and rural places. In contrast to regular CKD, which is often linked to diabetes or high blood pressure, CKDu develops without an obvious cause. Research has explored environmental factors like exposure to toxic chemicals, dehydration, and heat stress as possible contributory factors. Nevertheless, the exact causes of CKDu are still unclear and could involve a combination of factors

Why can kidney damage go unnoticed?

Kidney disease is a condition that may show very little clinical evidence in its early stages. During the first stage of CKD, patients may feel normal as the kidneys are still able to perform at least some functions. In the later stages, patients may exhibit symptoms such as swelling in the feet and/or around the eyes, constant tiredness, changes in urination, as well as the presence of foamy urine or elevated blood pressure. However, such symptoms are common with many diseases, and hence, their absence does not mean the diagnosis is impossible. Diabetics, people with high blood pressure, those with a positive family history of renal disease, or those who are under constant exposure to harmful agents in the environment should be especially careful about their kidney condition.

How can you check your kidney health?

Two important tests can help assess kidney function:

• Serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): These blood tests help evaluate how effectively the kidneys filter waste from the blood.
• Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR): This urine test detects albumin, a protein that may leak into the urine when the kidneys are damaged.

Doctors may recommend these tests based on an individual's health, risk factors, and exposure history. Abnormal results may require repeat testing and further evaluation before a diagnosis is established.

What can you do to protect your kidneys?

Before going out, look at the local air quality report and reduce your outdoor work if pollution levels are high. Stay away from smoking and passive smoking; take the necessary safety precautions when handling industrial chemicals and follow local advisories on drinking water safety. It is also important to maintain a well-balanced diet, maintain an active lifestyle, control blood pressure and blood glucose levels, and minimise the use of painkillers without consulting a doctor.

Pollution in the environment might lead to damage in the kidneys despite the lack of any symptoms. There is more and more evidence to show that particular polluting agents could lead to the deterioration of kidney function in general but the causes of CKDu are still undergoing research. Follow the suggested recommendations for minimising exposure to harmful agents, controlling your diseases, and carrying out tests to assess kidney functioning.

The author is the principal director of Nephrology and Kidney Transplant at Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital in Dwarka. 

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.