National Kidney Awareness Week: Know your numbers

Community members are encouraged to check their sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index (BMI) and HIV status this National Kidney Awareness Week.

The awareness week takes place between 2 and 6 September, driving knowledge about prevention and early detection of kidney disease.

Nephrologist at Life Fourways Hospital, Dr Rachel de Zeeuw encourages the public to know their numbers by going for regular health checks.

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“Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle and body weight will also protect your kidney health. Consider signing up as an organ donor or living donor – the health risks to the donor are relatively small but it could save your loved one’s life,” said De Zeeuw.

There are a myriad of causes of renal failure including hypertension, obesity and HIV among others, however, the leading cause is diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2. Prolonged and regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medication may also worsen kidney function and lead to kidney failure.

“Renal dysfunction can be silent until it has progressed to a very advanced stage,” warned De Zeeuw.

She said symptoms could also be non-specific.

“Generally, people experience symptoms of fluid overload – swollen ankles and lower extremities as well as facial swelling and shortness of breath. Nausea, itchy skin and fatigue could be caused by the accumulation of waste products not filtered by the kidneys.”

De Zeeuw added that while persons receiving renal dialysis have been vigilant in attending their treatment sessions, she had observed that many people with the first signs and symptoms of kidney failure have delayed seeking treatment – including those who could qualify for kidney transplants.

“It’s important to note that Covid-19 infection may also lead to renal dysfunction and you should seek treatment should you display any warning signs of kidney failure.”

De Zeeuw said there was a great need for more living kidney donors to reduce the waiting list for kidney transplants in South Africa.

Life expectancy for those with renal failure depends largely on the management of the disease.

“The cause of the initial kidney failure hugely impacts on the quality and lifespan of persons receiving dialysis. Complications arising from hypertension and diabetes are some of the top causes of death, which reaffirms the need to manage your lifestyle and health.”

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To learn more about the services offered at Life Fourways Hospital, call 011 219 9670/9620 or email reshma.patel@lifehealthcare.co.za

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