Kidneys are one of the most important organs in a human body. Generally, every human is born with two kidneys but in some rare cases, a child is born with only one. Also, when a person faces some challenges with his or her kidney, he has to depend on the other one. In some cases, both the kidneys fail due to many reasons and then, a person needs a transplant and then, depends on the donated kidney for urinary functions. Most people live healthy and perfectly normal lives with one kidney but it is important keep the only kidney you have, abundantly healthy. Kidney transplant in India is a popular surgical procedure that is attracting medical tourists from countries far across. Let us know more about life with only one kidney!
Why do people have only one kidney?
The main reasons of a person having only one kidney are:
- Renal agenesis: A person in this case is born with just one kidney.
- Kidney dysplasia: This condition causes a person to be born with two kidneys, but one of them only works.
- Cancer treatment: One kidney of a person has been removed due to different reasons like to treat an injury or treat cancer.
- Kidney donation: This implies to the person who has donated one kidney to another person, who required a kidney transplant.
Long-term problems for people with just one kidney?
Anything that is not perfectly normal always has some problems and in the case of living with one kidney also, there are some minor hazards involved. There can be some long-term problems associated with people who were born with a just one kidney or may have had a kidney removed during childhood. These problems can be slight loss in kidney function and high blood pressure, later in life, the loss in kidney function is typically very slight, and life span is normal though.
Precaution to be observed by people with one kidney
- Doctor visits
If living with only one kidney, you should have your kidney function and blood pressure checked at least once a year. Checking kidney function requires simple urine and blood tests.
- Participation in sports
Some amount of physical exercise is healthy and good for all of us and it becomes even more important for someone with only one kidney, while being careful as protection from injury is highly required. Some surgeons and doctors can suggest to avoid contact sports like football, boxing, hockey, soccer, martial arts, or wrestling.
- Healthier diet
Although most people living with just one healthy kidney do not need to follow a special diet, a healthier diet with some restrictions is highly suggested for people who have received a kidney transplant because of a kidney illness or kidney failure.
Therefore, life with only one kidney is a little difficult but if carefully seen, it is not at all impossible. But one should always be aware of the heath of his kidneys as ignorance can be responsible for big risks. If a kidney transplant is required, the patient should definitely make haste to treat his condition. Many people who go through kidney failure travel to India every year to avail surgery. Finding a donor is easier and the cost effectiveness is another big reason for the same. Kidney transplant in India can thus come as a life-saving option for the ones in dire need!
