A recent study conducted by Osmania General Hospital (OGH) in collaboration with leading nephrologists has uncovered a troubling health trend in Telangana — a rise in chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu). The research found that the condition, traditionally associated with older or diabetic patients, is now affecting younger and otherwise healthy individuals in both urban and semi-urban parts of the state.

The study analyzed dozens of patients who showed symptoms of declining kidney function but had no history of diabetes, hypertension, or genetic disorders. Alarmingly, several of these cases were reported among professionals and students with no occupational exposure to known kidney-damaging chemicals, suggesting environmental or lifestyle factors may be at play.

Medical experts are calling this rise in unexplained kidney disease a potential public health emergency. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has also noted that Telangana has one of the highest rates of impaired kidney function in the country — nearly 7.4% of its population, more than double the national average.

Doctors point to multiple possible contributors, including prolonged dehydration, high salt consumption, unregulated herbal medicines, and contaminated drinking water. In rural areas, fluoride and heavy metal contamination may also be contributing factors, while in cities, increased reliance on processed foods and lack of regular health checkups are aggravating risks.

Health authorities are urging citizens to undergo routine kidney screenings, even if they have no apparent symptoms. Experts note that kidney damage often progresses silently — by the time fatigue, swelling, or reduced urine output appear, significant damage may have already occurred.

The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive research into local environmental and lifestyle patterns to identify the root causes of this emerging disease. Public health campaigns promoting hydration, healthy diets, and early medical testing could be crucial in preventing further spread.

As Telangana grapples with this growing concern, nephrologists warn that unless awareness and early detection improve, the burden on dialysis centers and hospitals could rise sharply in the coming years. The findings serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, healthcare providers, and the public to prioritize kidney health as a major component of preventive healthcare in the state.