HAVE you heard of dialysis? No doubt you have. It was one of the two high level failures at the Mbabane Government Hospital last week that set oHAVE you heard of dialysis? No doubt you have. It was one of the two high level failures at the Mbabane Government Hospital last week that set off alarm bells about the national health crisis.
Dialysis is no joke. It is a treatment desperately needed to manually remove toxins from the blood of people suffering from kidney damage because their kidneys can no longer do so.
There are currently an estimated 300 people countrywide who rely on the public health system for their dialysis. Of these 190 are treated at the Mbabane Government Hospital, 45 at the RFM and 40 in Hlathikhulu.
Dialysis patients have to be able to afford coming to Hospital at least 2 times a week to be connected to the dialysis machine. Each session can last between 3 and 4 hours. As a result, patients are in a permanent queue to access the life-giving machine. At the Mbabane Government, the dialysis section is at the door of the female medical Ward 18, there is a constant flow of patients coming in and going out throughout the night and day.
Health is life, and life is precious enough for everyone to want to preserve and protect from disease. Preventive health is one of the most important cornerstones of
The causes of lifestyle diseases can be divided into two groups:
- Indirect causes, i.e. those resulting from the progressive industrialization and pollution of the environment; you can’t fully protect yourself against them.
- Direct causes, which include a sedentary lifestyle, low physical activity, heavy alcohol and coffee consumption, unbalanced diet, smoking, as well as chronic stress and lack of rest. These factors can be limited or completely eliminated.
Not only is it expensive, it is also time consuming and not a definite cure.
Like all illnesses, kidneys can be kept healthy and protected from the chronic kidney damage – the long term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function properly. If kidney damage is not stopped, managed or treated, it can lead to kidney failure.
What’s the function of kidneys
The kidneys are 2 bean shaped organs located in the lower back, on either side of the spine. Their function is to
- filter waste from blood;
- maintain balance of fluid and electrolytes;
- regulate blood pressure
- Produce hormones and red blood cells.
Chronic kidney damage happens over time, and is usually a function of other disease conditions.
Diabetes and hypertension are two of the most common diseases that harm the kidneys.
Diabetes
Uncontrolled diabetes damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, and reduce their filtering ability.
Hypertension
High blood pressure also damage blood vessels, reducing their ability to filter waste and regulate blood pressure.
Other major kidney problems include prolonged use of pain killers or Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are medicines that are widely used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and bring down a high temperature. They’re often used to relieve symptoms of: headaches. painful periods.
Obesity, smoking and age are also important factors in kidney health.
Unfortunately, symptoms of damage don’t show up till it it is late. They include; Weakness, swollen ankles, feet, or hands.
Shortness of breath is a common symptom as well as nausea/vomiting.
Foamy urine is an important indicator as well as a persistent itch; high blood pressure and muscle cramps.
5 stages of kidney damage
There are 5 stages of kidney damage, divided based on the glomerular filtration rate. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) measures how well the kidneys are filtering blood. A normal GFR is >90ml/min, while end stage renal disease is <15ml/min.
Stage 1 100-90% efficiency. Kidney damage normal function.
Stage 2 90-60% kidney damage mild loss of function
Stage 3 60-30% moderate to severe loss of function
Stage 4 30-15% severe loss of function
Stage 5 Kidney failure
Control your blood pressure Blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney damage. You can do this by; – Reducing salt intake – Eating healthy – Managing stress – Staying adherent to medications
2. Manage blood sugar levels High blood sugar damages the functional units of the kidneys over time.
You can do this by;
- Regular monitoring of blood sugar
- Reducing intake of sugar and refined carbs
- Eating a balanced diet
- Exercising
3. Avoid overuse of NSAIDs Long term use of NSAIDs can harm the kidneys.
- Use medications only as directed
- Don’t take medications without a recommendation
4. Maintain a healthy diet
An unhealthy diet strains the kidneys, and increase risk of metabolic conditions.
- Load up on fruits and veggies
- Limit salt, processed foods and drinks
- Stay hydrated
5. Incorporate lifestyle changes
- Engage in 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week
- Quit smoking
- Reduce alcohol intake
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Go for regular check ups.
By following these steps, you significantly reduce the risk of kidney damage.
If kidney damage is not addressed, it can lead to kidney failure which would require dialysis or a transplant. It’s become increasingly important to take care of your organs. Start with your kidneys.
Credit: Information on dialysis is sourced from health professional Pharm. Oluoma @zizzelle
Jm/today/13.10.2024
