Life Entabeni Hospital offers renal dialysis
Worldwide, chronic kidney disease is one of the leading causes of death if not detected early. Like its counterparts, South Africa is also experiencing an increase in the number of chronic kidney disease (CKD) cases.
What is kidney or renal failure?
The word renal refers to the kidneys. If one or both kidneys fail completely and the damage cannot be reversed, the condition is called renal failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). When this occurs, your kidneys can no longer filter wastes well enough to keep you healthy. Treatments for kidney failure include dialysis and/or transplantation.
Why do kidneys fail?
Most kidney diseases attack the nephrons (tiny filtering units within the kidneys), causing them to lose their filtering capacity. Damage to the nephrons can happen quickly, often as the result of injury, underlying illness, or poisoning. However, often the damage will only become apparent after many years.
What are the signs and symptoms of kidney failure?
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Frequent need to urinate, especially at night (which increases with time)
- Itchy skin
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Erectile dysfunction (men have difficulty getting and/or sustaining an erection)
- Water retention (swollen feet, hands and ankles)
- Blood and/or protein in the urine
Life Renal Dialysis at Life Entabeni Hospital is a specialised healthcare service providing acute and chronic renal dialysis services. These specialised services assist patients in renal failure. Our facilities offer the latest technology dialysis machines and comfortable dialysis chairs in a safe and sterile environment. Ease of access is ensured to hospital specialists, complementary services, x-ray department and laboratory facilities.
If you think you may be suffering from kidney disease to any degree, please seek advice from your general medical practitioner who will be able to advise you.
For more information about Life Renal Dialysis’ service offerings and treatment options, call 031 204 1539 or email lara.richards@lifehealthcare.co.za.
