Kidney Disease Patients Urged Not to Ignore Early Symptoms to Avoid Dialysis
An internal medicine specialist and kidney consultant at Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong, Dr. Mutalib Abdullah, Sp.PD.KGH, has urged the public not to ignore the early symptoms of kidney disease, particularly kidney stones. According to him, delays in treatment can lead to serious complications, including kidney failure that requires dialysis.
“If we leave the stone untreated, it can cause infection, obstruct urine flow leading to hydronephrosis or swelling of the kidney. If it is too late, it can eventually lead to kidney failure,” Mutalib said during the launch of the Urology & Nephrology Clinic at Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong in Tangerang on Wednesday.
He explained that the public needs to recognise early symptoms such as pain in the waist or lower back, pain during urination, blood in the urine, and urinary disturbances. Seeking medical examination as soon as these complaints arise is considered crucial to prevent permanent kidney damage.
He noted that insufficient fluid intake is one of the main risk factors for kidney stone formation, especially in tropical countries like Indonesia. In addition to dehydration, excessive consumption of certain foods, drinks, medications, or herbal remedies that can potentially damage the kidneys also needs to be monitored. Therefore, education on healthy lifestyles and the wise use of medication is an important part of efforts to prevent kidney disease.
Mutalib stated that kidney disease does not only affect the elderly. The productive age group also faces a fairly high risk due to habits of drinking too little and rarely undergoing regular health check-ups. Furthermore, children also require attention because excessive consumption of high-sugar and artificially coloured drinks can increase the risk of kidney disorders. Parents are advised to supervise their children’s diet and drinking habits from an early age.
To prevent the formation of kidney stones, Mutalib recommends that people get into the habit of drinking about 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day, exercising regularly, and adopting a balanced diet to maintain kidney health and body metabolism.
Meanwhile, Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong has introduced an integrated Urology & Nephrology Clinic that combines the treatment of urinary tract and kidney diseases with minimally invasive technology to support early detection and more comprehensive management.