Dr. Jyoti Bansal on Why Early Kidney Disease Signs Are Often Ignored
- Jack Jones
- Sep 27, 2025
- 5 min read
Kidney diseases are often called “silent killers,” not because they strike suddenly, but because they progress quietly, with little to no warning. Millions of people across the world live with kidney issues without realizing it, often visiting a doctor only when the disease has advanced to a critical stage. According to Dr. Jyoti Bansal, a leading urologist at Fortis Hospital Jaipur, this ignorance about early symptoms is one of the biggest challenges in the fight against kidney disease.
In this article, we’ll explore why the signs of kidney disease are so commonly overlooked, what symptoms should raise concern, and how awareness, lifestyle changes, and timely screening can help save lives.
The Silent Nature of Kidney Disease
One of the primary reasons kidney disease is so often ignored lies in its nature. Unlike conditions that show dramatic early symptoms — like severe chest pain in heart disease — kidney problems usually start with very mild, vague indicators.
Dr. Bansal often explains that kidneys can function even when partially damaged. “A person may lose up to 70% of kidney function without feeling anything unusual,” he says. This ability to compensate for damage makes the disease less noticeable until it becomes severe.
Some early signs, such as swelling around the ankles, mild fatigue, or changes in urination, may not seem alarming to most people. They may attribute these symptoms to aging, stress, or even simple dehydration — delaying medical help until it’s too late.
Why Do People Ignore the Early Symptoms?
1. Symptoms Are Non-Specific
Fatigue, poor appetite, disturbed sleep, or nausea are common in many illnesses. Without strong pain or visible signs, patients rarely think of their kidneys first.
2. Lack of Awareness
Many people are simply unaware of how kidneys function or what signs point to trouble. Unlike diabetes or heart disease, kidney health does not get the same level of public attention.
3. Cultural Habits of Delaying Care
In India and many parts of the world, people often wait until symptoms become unbearable before visiting a doctor. Early checkups for vague discomfort are uncommon.
4. Attributing Symptoms to Other Causes
Frequent urination may be blamed on drinking too much water, swelling on eating too much salt, and fatigue on overwork — all without realizing kidneys could be involved.
5. Silent Progression
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses slowly. Because the body adapts to reduced kidney function, patients may not realize the seriousness of the problem until it reaches advanced stages.
Common Early Signs That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
According to Dr. Jyoti Bansal Fortis, certain signs, even if they look minor, should not be overlooked:
Persistent swelling in feet, ankles, or around the eyes
Foamy or bubbly urine (a sign of protein leakage)
Increased frequency of urination, especially at night
Blood in urine
Unexplained fatigue, weakness, or poor concentration
Loss of appetite and persistent nausea
High blood pressure that doesn’t improve with medication
These symptoms may have other causes too, but ruling out kidney disease is crucial.
The Risk Groups: Who Should Be Extra Careful?
Certain individuals are at much higher risk of developing kidney disease. For them, ignoring early signs can be fatal. Dr. Bansal advises regular checkups for:
People with diabetes
Individuals with high blood pressure
Those with a family history of kidney disease
Patients with a history of urinary tract infections or kidney stones
People over the age of 60
Individuals using painkillers or nephrotoxic drugs regularly
The Psychological Angle: Why People Stay in Denial
Medical experts also highlight psychological reasons why people ignore kidney-related symptoms:
Fear of Diagnosis – Many patients subconsciously avoid checkups because they are afraid of hearing bad news.
Misplaced Confidence – Younger people often believe serious illnesses won’t affect them.
Dependence on Home Remedies – Some turn to herbal concoctions or dietary fixes instead of medical advice, wasting precious time.
Lack of Routine Health Culture – Preventive checkups are not a part of lifestyle for many, unlike in countries where annual health screenings are routine.
How Early Detection Saves Lives
The good news is that kidney disease does not have to be a death sentence. With early detection, it is possible to slow, halt, or even reverse some damage.
At Fortis Hospital Jaipur, Dr. Bansal Fortis Hospital Jaipur and his team emphasize preventive screenings and awareness campaigns. Regular blood tests (creatinine, eGFR), urine analysis, and blood pressure checks are inexpensive, quick, and highly effective in spotting kidney issues early.
Patients diagnosed in early stages can often avoid dialysis or transplant with proper medication, diet changes, and lifestyle management.
Lifestyle Factors That Contribute to Ignorance
Dr. Jyoti Bansal also points to modern lifestyle factors that make people dismiss early kidney symptoms:
Overuse of painkillers – Many take them casually without realizing their impact on kidney function.
High-salt and processed diets – Leading to high blood pressure and kidney strain.
Sedentary habits – Lack of exercise contributes to obesity and diabetes, both major risk factors.
Low water intake – Dehydration can silently harm kidney efficiency.
People tend to normalize these habits, so when symptoms occur, they don’t connect them with kidney health.
Real Patient Stories: The Cost of Ignoring Symptoms
Several cases highlight the consequences of ignoring kidney warning signs. Patients often come in complaining of fatigue or swelling, only to discover that their kidneys are already functioning at less than 20%.
Dr. Bansal shares how one young diabetic patient dismissed foamy urine for months, thinking it was “normal.” By the time he sought medical help, his kidneys were severely damaged. With earlier intervention, his condition could have been managed much more effectively.
These stories underline the importance of awareness and timely action.
The Role of Education and Public Awareness
The only way to reduce the burden of kidney disease is through widespread education. At Fortis Jaipur, initiatives like health camps, awareness drives, and patient counseling sessions are helping communities recognize the importance of kidney health.
By teaching people to identify early symptoms, doctors hope to create a culture where preventive care is valued as much as curative care.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
Dr. Jyoti Bansal offers simple, practical advice for everyone:
Get regular screenings – especially if you are in a high-risk group.
Stay hydrated – but avoid excessive water unless prescribed.
Limit salt and processed food intake.
Control diabetes and blood pressure strictly.
Avoid unnecessary medicines without a doctor’s consultation.
Listen to your body – don’t dismiss unusual fatigue, swelling, or urinary changes.
Conclusion: Stop Ignoring the Signals
Kidney disease may be silent, but it is not invisible. The body often gives early signals — we just need to recognize them. Ignoring these signs not only delays treatment but also reduces the chances of recovery.
As Dr. Jyoti Bansal Urologist stresses, “The key to fighting kidney disease is awareness. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Even small symptoms deserve attention.”
By spreading awareness, encouraging preventive checkups, and adopting healthier lifestyles, we can change the trend of late-stage kidney disease diagnoses and protect countless lives.
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