Director and Head, Nephrology
Dr. Shashank Gupta
MD, DM (Nephrology)
Chronic kidney disease, dialysis, acute kidney injury and kidney transplant care.
Nephrology, Kidney Transplant & Dialysis
Kidney care, 24×7 dialysis and transplant in Lucknow
Swelling of the feet, a raised creatinine report, protein in the urine, or a doctor has said you may need dialysis? Our nephrologists at Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, find the cause, slow kidney damage where possible, and provide dialysis and kidney transplant care when the kidneys fail.
NABH-accredited hospital
300-bed multispeciality
DM nephrologists
24×7 dialysis unit
Talk to our kidney team
Share your details — our coordinator will call you back to schedule a visit.
24×7 hospital & emergency0522-666-4444
Our approach
Kidney care at every stage
Kidneys filter waste, balance fluid and salts, control blood pressure and help make blood. Kidney disease is often silent until it is advanced. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes in India. Early treatment can slow damage and delay or avoid dialysis.
- Your kidney tests, stage and options explained clearly
- Treatment to slow kidney damage and control BP, sugar and anaemia
- Haemodialysis available round the clock
- Kidney transplant evaluation and care with the urology and transplant team
- Diet advice from our dietitians for people with kidney disease
Clinical nephrology
CKD, acute kidney injury, protein in the urine and kidney inflammation.
Dialysis
Haemodialysis in our 24×7 unit, and help with planning dialysis access.
Kidney transplant
Evaluation of patients and donors, transplant surgery and long-term follow-up.
Kidney & BP
High blood pressure, diabetes-related kidney disease and electrolyte problems.
300Bed multispeciality hospital
NABHAccredited for quality and patient safety
24×7Emergency & critical care
27+Specialities under one roof
Know the signs
When to see a nephrologist
Kidney disease often has no symptoms until late. A blood and urine test can find it early.
Swelling of feet or face
Puffiness around the eyes in the morning, or swollen ankles.
Raised creatinine or low eGFR
A blood report showing reduced kidney function.
Protein or blood in urine
Frothy urine, or protein or blood found on a urine test.
High BP that is hard to control
Especially at a young age or needing several medicines.
Diabetes for many years
People with diabetes should have yearly kidney tests.
Change in passing urine
Passing much less urine, or getting up often at night.
Tiredness and poor appetite
Weakness, nausea, itching or breathlessness in advanced disease.
Long-term painkillers
Regular use of painkillers can harm the kidneys.
Go to emergency straight away if there is very little or no urine for a day, severe breathlessness, confusion, or very high potassium on a report — especially in someone with kidney disease or on dialysis. Call 0522-666-4444.
Conditions A–Z
Find information about a kidney condition
Tap a condition to read the common signs, how it is diagnosed and how it is treated.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
Gradual loss of kidney function over months or years
Common signs
Usually none early on. Later: swelling, tiredness, poor appetite, itching and high BP.
How it is diagnosed
Creatinine and eGFR blood tests, urine albumin test and kidney ultrasound.
How it is treated
Controlling BP and sugar, kidney-protective medicines, diet changes, and planning for dialysis or transplant if it progresses.
About kidney failureDiabetic kidney disease
Kidney damage caused by diabetes
Common signs
Protein in the urine first, then rising creatinine; often no symptoms.
How it is diagnosed
Yearly urine albumin and creatinine tests in everyone with diabetes.
How it is treated
Good sugar and BP control and medicines that protect the kidneys, with the endocrinology team.
Diabetes careHypertensive kidney disease
Kidney damage from high blood pressure
Common signs
Often none; high BP that is hard to control.
How it is diagnosed
BP records, kidney function tests, urine tests and ultrasound.
How it is treated
Steady BP control with medicines and less salt.
See CKD stagesAcute kidney injury (AKI)
Sudden drop in kidney function
Common signs
Passing little urine, swelling, breathlessness or confusion, often during another illness.
How it is diagnosed
Rising creatinine, urine tests and ultrasound.
How it is treated
Treating the cause, fluids and medicine adjustments; temporary dialysis in severe cases. Many patients recover.
See warning signsNephrotic syndrome
Heavy protein loss in the urine
Common signs
Swelling of the face, feet and abdomen, and frothy urine; common in children too.
How it is diagnosed
Urine protein tests, blood tests and often a kidney biopsy.
How it is treated
Steroids or other immune treatments, diuretics and close follow-up.
Glomerulonephritis
Inflammation of the kidney filters
Common signs
Blood or protein in the urine, swelling and high BP.
How it is diagnosed
Urine and blood tests and a kidney biopsy.
How it is treated
Depends on the type; may include immune-suppressing medicines and BP control.
Kidney stones
Stones that cause pain or block urine
Common signs
Severe pain in the back or side, blood in the urine, nausea.
How it is diagnosed
Ultrasound or CT scan and urine tests.
How it is treated
Pain relief and fluids; removal by the urology team for large or blocking stones; prevention advice from nephrology.
Read about kidney stonesUrinary tract and kidney infection
Infection of the bladder or kidneys
Common signs
Burning urine, fever with back pain, shivering or vomiting.
How it is diagnosed
Urine test and culture, blood tests and ultrasound.
How it is treated
Antibiotics; hospital treatment for severe or repeated infection.
Urology at CharakPolycystic kidney disease
Inherited cysts that enlarge the kidneys
Common signs
High BP, back or side pain, blood in the urine; often runs in families.
How it is diagnosed
Ultrasound and family history.
How it is treated
BP control, monitoring kidney function and family screening.
Electrolyte problems
High potassium, low sodium and acid imbalance
Common signs
Weakness, palpitations, confusion or cramps; often found on a blood test.
How it is diagnosed
Blood and urine tests and ECG.
How it is treated
Medicine and diet changes; urgent treatment for dangerous levels.
Diet adviceEnd-stage kidney disease
Kidney function below about 15%
Common signs
Breathlessness, vomiting, itching, swelling and severe tiredness.
How it is diagnosed
eGFR below 15 and symptoms.
How it is treated
Dialysis or a kidney transplant; your team helps you choose.
Kidney failure guideKidney transplant
A healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor
Who it suits
Many people with end-stage kidney disease who are fit for surgery.
How it is planned
Tests of the patient and donor, matching, and legal approvals as required by law.
After transplant
Lifelong anti-rejection medicines and regular follow-up.
About kidney transplantNo match found. Please call us on 0522-666-4444 — we will guide you.
Diagnosis
How we find the cause — before we treat
Kidney disease is diagnosed with simple blood and urine tests. An ultrasound or biopsy helps find the cause.
Consultation
Your symptoms, BP, diabetes, medicines and family history.
Blood tests
Creatinine and eGFR, urea, electrolytes, haemoglobin and sugar.
Urine tests
Urine routine and urine albumin or protein–creatinine ratio.
Ultrasound
Size and shape of the kidneys, stones or blockage.
Kidney biopsy
A small sample, when needed, to find the exact cause.
Understanding your CKD stage
Chronic kidney disease is staged by eGFR — an estimate of how well the kidneys filter. Tap a stage to see what it means.
Treatment
The main treatments we offer
Choose a topic to see what treatment involves and how to stay safe.
Treatment to protect the kidneys
Kidney damage can often be slowed with BP and sugar control, kidney-protective medicines, less salt and avoiding medicines that harm the kidneys.
BP controlKidney-protective medicinesAnaemia treatmentBone healthDiet adviceWhat to expect
- Blood and urine tests every few months
- Medicines adjusted to your kidney function
- Advice on diet, fluids and salt
Staying safe
- Avoid painkillers such as diclofenac and ibuprofen
- Check with your doctor before herbal or new medicines
- Tell doctors about your kidney disease before scans with dye
Haemodialysis in our 24×7 unit
Haemodialysis cleans the blood using a machine, usually for about 4 hours, 2–3 times a week. It needs a fistula in the arm or a dialysis catheter.
Maintenance haemodialysisEmergency dialysisDialysis in ICUDialysis catheterWhat to expect
- Regular sessions at fixed times
- Blood tests to check dialysis is adequate
- Diet and fluid advice from the team
Staying safe
- Do not miss sessions
- Limit fluids and salt between sessions
- Protect your fistula arm — no BP or blood tests on it
AV fistula and catheters
An AV fistula — joining an artery and vein in the arm — is the safest long-term access for haemodialysis. It needs a few weeks to mature, so it is planned before dialysis is needed.
AV fistula surgeryAV graftTemporary dialysis catheterPermanent catheterWhat to expect
- Fistula surgery under local anaesthesia
- Exercises to help the fistula mature
- Checks before first use
Protect your fistula
- Feel for the buzz (thrill) every day
- No tight clothing, watches or BP cuffs on that arm
- Report pain, redness or loss of the buzz
Kidney transplant
A transplant can offer a better quality of life than dialysis for many patients. It involves careful testing of the patient and the donor, surgery, and lifelong medicines to prevent rejection.
Transplant evaluationLiving donor transplantAnti-rejection medicinesLong-term follow-upWhat to expect
- Detailed tests for patient and donor
- Approval as required under the transplant law
- Close follow-up in the first months
After transplant
- Take anti-rejection medicines on time, every day
- Avoid infections and keep vaccinations up to date
- Attend all blood tests and reviews
Treatment of acute kidney injury
Sudden kidney failure is treated by finding and correcting the cause — such as dehydration, infection or a medicine — with fluids, close monitoring and dialysis if needed.
Fluid managementMedicine reviewICU careTemporary dialysisWhat to expect
- Daily blood tests in hospital
- Urine output measured closely
- Many patients recover kidney function
After recovery
- Follow-up tests after discharge
- Avoid kidney-harming medicines
- Keep well hydrated when unwell
Diet for kidney disease
Diet depends on your stage and whether you are on dialysis. It usually means less salt, the right amount of protein, and sometimes less potassium, phosphorus and fluid.
Salt restrictionProtein advicePotassium and phosphorusFluid limitsWhat to expect
- A personal diet plan from our dietitian
- Advice based on your blood results
- Indian food examples and swaps
Good habits
- Avoid pickles, papads and packaged snacks
- Ask before using salt substitutes — they contain potassium
- Do not take protein powders without advice
Services
Kidney services at Charak
Clinics, dialysis and transplant care. Tap a card to read more.
Your visit
What happens, step by step
Step 1
Consultation
Bring all past creatinine and urine reports so we can see the trend.
Step 2
Tests
Blood, urine and ultrasound, usually the same day.
Step 3
Diagnosis & stage
Your CKD stage, cause and plan explained.
Step 4
Treatment
Medicines, diet and BP control to protect the kidneys.
Step 5
Dialysis or transplant planning
When needed, planned early to avoid emergencies.
Step 6
Regular review
Tests and visits every few months.
Kidney check
Kidney disease is common — and often silent
Many people find out about kidney disease only when it is advanced. Two simple tests — a creatinine blood test and a urine albumin test — can find it early.
Who should have a kidney check
Ask for a creatinine and urine test every year if any of these apply:
- !Diabetes — at diagnosis and every year after.
- !High blood pressure — especially if it is hard to control.
- !A family member with kidney disease or kidney failure.
- !Regular use of painkillers or a past kidney stone or kidney injury.
Kidney care at Charak
- Kidney disease clinic with our nephrologists.
- Diabetes care with the endocrinology team.
- Stone and transplant surgery with the urology team.
Protect your kidneys
Tap each one you are doing:
- My BP is checked and under control
- My sugar is under control, if I have diabetes
- I had a creatinine and urine test this year
- I avoid regular painkillers without advice
- I keep salt low and avoid packaged salty foods
- I drink enough water unless told to limit fluids
- I do not use tobacco
If you have diabetes or high BP, ask your doctor for your eGFR and urine albumin results at your next visit.
Book a kidney check
Living well
Living with kidney disease or dialysis
General guidance — always follow the specific advice your nephrologist and dietitian give you.
Food and salt
Keep salt low. Avoid pickles, papads, namkeen and packaged foods.
Your dietitian will tell you how much protein, potassium and phosphorus is right for your stage.
Fluids
In early CKD, drink normally unless told otherwise.
On dialysis, limit fluids as advised and weigh yourself daily.
Medicines
Take BP and kidney medicines every day and bring them to each visit.
Avoid painkillers such as diclofenac and ibuprofen, and ask before taking herbal products.
Looking after your fistula
Feel for the buzz every day and keep the arm clean.
Do not allow BP checks, injections or blood tests on the fistula arm.
Vaccinations and infections
Ask about hepatitis B, flu and other vaccines.
Report fever, especially if you have a catheter or a transplant.
Work, travel and family life
Many people on dialysis continue to work and travel with planning.
Talk to the team about how you are feeling — support is available.
Contact us urgently if
- Very little or no urine for a day
- Severe breathlessness or chest pain
- Fever, especially with a dialysis catheter or after transplant
- Loss of the buzz in your fistula
- Confusion, extreme weakness or palpitations
- Sudden swelling with rapid weight gain
Family care
Kidney care for every stage of life
Children
- Swelling of the face can be nephrotic syndrome
- Urine infections in children need checking
- Joint care with the paediatrics team
Pregnancy
- High BP and protein in pregnancy need prompt review
- Kidney disease needs planning before pregnancy
- Joint care with obstetrics
Older adults
- Medicine doses often need adjusting for kidney function
- Dehydration can cause sudden kidney injury
- Yearly kidney tests with diabetes or high BP
Prevention & screening
Kidney tests and how often to have them
These are general guides. Your doctor may advise different timings based on your health.
| Who | What we recommend | How often |
|---|---|---|
| People with diabetes | Creatinine (eGFR) and urine albumin | Every year |
| People with high BP | Creatinine and urine test | Every year |
| Family history of kidney disease | Creatinine, urine test and ultrasound if advised | Every 1–2 years |
| CKD stage 3 | Kidney tests and nephrology review | Every 3–6 months |
| CKD stage 4–5 | Nephrology review | Every 1–3 months |
| After kidney transplant | Blood tests and medicine levels | As advised, often weekly at first |
Keep BP in your target range
Control your blood sugar
Avoid regular painkillers without advice
Cut down on salt and packaged foods
Avoid tobacco
Know your eGFR and urine albumin results
Myths & facts
Clearing up common misunderstandings
Tap a card to see the fact.
Myth
“Once dialysis starts, you can never stop.”
Tap to flipFact
In sudden kidney injury, dialysis is often temporary. In end-stage kidney disease, dialysis continues unless you have a transplant.
Myth
“If I pass urine normally, my kidneys are fine.”
Tap to flipFact
Many people with kidney disease pass normal amounts of urine. Only blood and urine tests show kidney function.
Myth
“Drinking lots of water cures kidney disease.”
Tap to flipFact
Water does not reverse kidney damage, and too much fluid can be harmful in advanced disease or on dialysis.
Myth
“Herbal medicines are safe for the kidneys.”
Tap to flipFact
Some herbal and traditional products can damage the kidneys. Ask your nephrologist before taking any.
Myth
“Kidney donors become ill afterwards.”
Tap to flipFact
Healthy donors are carefully tested and most live normal lives with one kidney, with regular check-ups.
Myth
“Dialysis means you cannot work or travel.”
Tap to flipFact
Many people on dialysis work, study and travel with planning.
Our doctors
Meet our kidney team
Nephrologist
Dr. Sakshi Jain
MBBS, MD, DM (Nephrology, SGPGI)
Chronic kidney disease, dialysis, glomerular disease and transplant follow-up. OPD: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.
Practical help
Preparing for your visit, costs & insurance
A little preparation helps us make the most of your appointment.
What to bring to your visit
Tick off as you pack:
- All past creatinine, urine and ultrasound reports, in date order
- All current medicines, including herbal products
- Your BP and sugar records
- Dialysis records and your dialysis card, if on dialysis
- For transplant evaluation: the donor’s ID and reports, if available
- A list of the questions you want to ask
Costs & insurance
Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need. Ask our team for a written estimate before planned tests, procedures or admission.
- ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
- ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
- ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
- ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.
*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.
Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What does a raised creatinine mean?
It suggests the kidneys are not filtering as well as they should. Your doctor will calculate your eGFR, repeat the test and look for the cause.
Can kidney disease be reversed?
Sudden kidney injury often recovers. Chronic kidney disease usually cannot be reversed, but its progress can often be slowed with treatment.
When is dialysis needed?
Usually when kidney function falls below about 10–15% and symptoms or dangerous blood results appear. Your nephrologist will plan it with you.
How often is haemodialysis done?
Usually 2–3 times a week, about 4 hours each session.
Who can donate a kidney?
A healthy adult, usually a close family member, who passes detailed medical tests. Kidney donation is governed by the transplant law and needs approval.
Should people with kidney disease avoid protein?
Not completely. The right amount depends on your stage and whether you are on dialysis. Your dietitian will guide you.
Is dialysis available at night or on Sundays?
Our dialysis unit works round the clock. Ask the team about available slots for regular sessions.
How do I book an appointment?
Call 0522-666-4444 or use the request call back form on this page. In an emergency, come straight to the 24×7 emergency department.
Glossary
Words you may hear from your kidney doctor
CreatinineA waste product in blood; it rises when kidneys are not working well.
eGFREstimated glomerular filtration rate — how well the kidneys filter.
UreaAnother waste product measured in kidney tests.
Urine albumin (UACR)A test for small amounts of protein in urine.
ProteinuriaProtein leaking into the urine.
CKDChronic kidney disease.
AKIAcute kidney injury — a sudden drop in kidney function.
HaemodialysisCleaning the blood with a machine.
Peritoneal dialysisDialysis using the lining of the abdomen.
AV fistulaA joined artery and vein in the arm used for dialysis.
Dialysis catheterA tube in a large vein used for dialysis.
Kidney biopsyA small sample of kidney tissue for testing.
Nephrotic syndromeHeavy protein loss in urine causing swelling.
GlomerulonephritisInflammation of the kidney filters.
PotassiumA mineral that can rise dangerously in kidney failure.
PhosphorusA mineral that builds up in CKD and affects bones.
Erythropoietin (EPO)An injection used to treat anaemia in kidney disease.
Dry weightYour target weight after dialysis, without extra fluid.
Transplant rejectionWhen the immune system attacks the new kidney.
ImmunosuppressantsAnti-rejection medicines taken after a transplant.
No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.
Related pages
Related departments and guides
A kidney report, dialysis or transplant to discuss?
Speak with our kidney team. In an emergency, come straight to the 24×7 emergency department.
Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.
About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Department of Nephrology, Kidney Transplant & Dialysis, Charak Hospital & Research Centre · Last updated: October 2026
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