Are your kidneys OK? Kidney disease is common and harmful but it is treatable. globally more than 500 million individuals or about one out of ten adults in the world has some form of chronic kidney disease. Studies in the US suggest that about 10% o adults suffer some form of kidney damage but are unaware of it.
Chronic kidney disease is present when individuals have an increase in excretion of albumin in the urine (protein leak) or a major decrease in kidney function. this may lead to complications such as high blood pressure, anaemia, heart and blood vessel disease. The causes of chronic kidney disease are uncontrolled diabetes , high blood pressure or hypertension, glomerulonephritis (inflammatory diseases of the kidney), infections, renal stone disease, and other inherited disease.
What are the signs and symtoms of kidney disease? Many people are unaware that their kidneys are damaged until they have done a medical examination, Kidney diseases are often silent. Depending on the type of kidney disease, some individuals may experience some of the following signs and symptoms.
- Discomfort or burining sensation during passing of urine
- Passing blood in the urine
- A change in the frequency of the urine passed
- Back pain (loin)
- Frequent urination especially during the night
- Swelling of the ankles
- Persistent puffiness around the eyes, particularly in the morning
Kidney disease is detected by simple laboratory tests that are done on samples of blood and urine to assess kidney function and protein excretion in urine.
The consequences of undetected chronic kidney disease are firstly, the risk of developing progressive loss of kidney function leading to kidney failure and the need for dialysis or transpantation, Secondly there is the risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease.
Screening must be high priority in individuals considered to be high risk of kidney disease namely
- Patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension
- Individuals who are obese or smoke
- Individuals over 50 years of age
- Individuals with family history of diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease
- Patient witha presence of other kidney diseases
Preventions measures that have proven successful in protecting against both renal and cardiovascular diseases are :
- Medicine to reduce protein in the urine and protect kidneys
- Control of blood pressure
- Control of blood glucose and cholesterol
- Stop smoking
- Increased physical activity
- Control of body weight
Take a screening test to find out if your kidneys are in good shape. Kidney damage need to be detected as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration.
