Kidney disease: Early detection saves lives

While few of us give much thought to our kidneys they are among the most important organs as they constantly work to remove deadly toxins from our bodies. We simply cannot survive without our kidneys and it is critical that we take proper care of them.

Kidney disease or failure kills no fewer than 10 000 South Africans both young and old every year, according to National Kidney Foundation of South Africa (NKFSA). It is thought that some 10% of people around the world suffer from some type of kidney disease. Given the vital role our kidneys play, the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) wishes to highlight the importance of kidney health this World Kidney Day, 14 March 2013.

What do they do?
Our kidneys, two remarkable bean shaped organs about the size of a man's fist, manufacture important chemicals for the body, retain the substances we need to be healthy, while eliminating toxic waste from the body via urine. The wastes and extra water are processed into urine, which travels via tubes called ureters to the bladder.

The NKFSA says our kidneys produce approximately 150 litres of urine per day but re-absorb some 149 litres of useful substances like proteins and nutrients. Only approximately two litres of waste, like drugs, medicines, chemicals and hormones that our bodies do not need are excreted. If the kidneys are damaged or do not function properly for one reason or another, it can result in kidney disease.

The silent killer
Kidney disease is sometimes known as the "silent killer" because it often develops gradually over time without giving the sufferer any warning until the kidneys are irreparably damaged.

In most cases of kidney disease the deterioration of the kidneys is relatively slow. This is called chronic kidney disease. If the decline in the kidneys is not picked up by healthcare professionals early enough, they may be permanently damaged.

Kidney failure occurs when there is a complete or nearly complete loss in the functioning of the kidneys. Once the kidneys are damaged they start to lose their functioning, the body becomes poisoned by the toxins and wastes that build up in the body. In serious cases the patient will need regular dialysis, a medical procedure in which a machine is used to remove the toxins from the blood, or a kidney transplant.

Kidney disease can be managed
Kidney disease cannot be cured. However if this medical condition is diagnosed early and is properly treated it can be controlled and the kidneys prevented from further damage. This means that it is important to identify the condition as soon as possible and it is vital for those who are concerned about developing the disease to visit their healthcare practitioner regularly. In many cases kidney disease can be prevented through the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and the eating of nutritious meals.

Why do they fail?
The kidneys may be damaged and start to fail for a number of different reasons. These include:

• Untreated hypertension and diabetes;
• Certain infections and illnesses;
• Re-occurring kidney stones or bladder infections;
• Trauma or accidents;
• Toxins;
• Certain cancers and cysts.

The NKFSA says that the majority of cases of kidney disease in South Africa are caused by hypertension (high blood pressure) and type 2 diabetes. Between 60-65% of cases are caused by hypertension while between 20-25% are the result of diabetes. Those who suffer from conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes should be sure to work with their doctor to control these conditions to ensure that the damage they cause to the kidneys is kept to a minimum.

What are the signs of kidney disease?
If your kidneys do not perform their function of ridding the body of harmful toxins, kidney failure will eventually poison your body. The following symptoms may occur:

• Swelling of the body;
• Shortness of breath;
• Weakness;
• Poor appetite;
• Insomnia (sleeplessness);
• Body aches and pains;
• Impairment of thought processes;
• Headaches and high blood pressure.

If you display any signs of these symptoms, you should see your doctor immediately.

Keeping it healthy
Many kidney diseases can be prevented by following these tips:

• Nutrition. The food we eat plays a huge role in our health. By ensuring that you eat a balanced, nutritious diet you can help prevent kidney disease. A healthy diet can also help you shed some unwanted kilos as people who are overweight have a greater risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure - both of which are major risk factors in kidney disease;
• Quit smoking. This is one of the most important lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of developing a kidney disease. Smokers are three times more likely to have reduced kidney function;
• Limit your alcohol intake. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to heart disease and high blood pressure which increase the risk of kidney disease;
• Drink plenty of water. This will assist your kidneys in flushing out harmful toxins;
• Exercise. Walk, opt for the stairs instead of the lift and get your heart pumping blood to your organs. It can reduce your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes that in turn can increase your risk factors for kidney disease.

References
1. eMedicineHealth - www.emedicinehealth.com/chronic_kidney_disease/page4_em.htm
2. Medlineplus - http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/kidneydiseases.html
3. National Kidney Foundation of South Africa - http://www.nkf.org.za/
4. National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse - http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/