There has been a concerning increase in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) among young adults aged 25 and older in India, raising alarm among healthcare professionals. Experts believe that the sharp rise in this condition among younger individuals, along with the high prevalence of kidney disease in older populations, highlights the urgent need for improved awareness, prevention measures, and organ donation campaigns.

In cases of ESRD, also referred to as kidney failure, there is a gradual decline in kidney function that eventually reaches a critical stage. The kidneys, responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, cease to operate effectively, leading to harmful levels of fluids, electrolytes, and waste accumulating in the body.

“The contemporary lifestyle, marked by unhealthy dietary choices and lack of physical activity, significantly contributes to this issue. An increase in the consumption of processed foods high in unhealthy fats, oils, salt, and sugar has resulted in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension—three leading causes of kidney disease worldwide,” stated Dr. Saurabh Pokhariyal, Co-Founder and Director of VitusCare Medlife Pvt. Ltd., in an interview with Times Now.

Dr. Pokhariyal further noted that sedentary jobs and insufficient regular exercise exacerbate these conditions, which can ultimately only be managed through dialysis or a kidney transplant. “Environmental factors, such as exposure to heavy metals in drinking water and the widespread use of pesticides in agriculture, can also lead to inflammation and kidney damage. Moreover, the reckless use of over-the-counter pain relievers and antibiotics poses additional risks, as these medications can adversely affect kidney function if not taken under proper medical guidance,” he added.