7 signs your kidney is in danger, why black male are more at risk, link between hypertension and kidney damage + the dos and don’ts for a healthy kidney: All you may need to know about Africa and rising cases of kidney failure unveiled during Platforms Africa’s weekly e-Discourse.
For a long time Africans have allowed politics to dominate serious discussions on the continent. As a result, not much attention is given to health. Africans use Social Media platforms to eulogise half naked women and men, seeking attention as well as people pretending to be wealthy. So, we don’t spend time to talk about our kidney for example. We have problems with this organ in our body. A recent study says Africa in general faces huge challenges, with shortages of qualified personnel and quality of laboratory tests on our kidneys. Latest figures published by the African Society for Laboratory Medicine, say few laboratories outside South Africa have been accredited to internationally recognised standards to do tests on our kidneys. This is how serious Africa’s situation is, so, today, we have our own, Dr. Tuyi Mebawondu to discuss “AFRICA AND RISING CASES OF KIDNEY FAILURE”. Welcome everybody to today’s E-DISCOURSE.
Dr Mebawondu, What is a kidney, and why did it come in two?
Kidney is a paired organs situated below the ribs on both sides in the abdomen. The kidneys remove waste and extra water from the blood (as urine) and help keep chemicals (such as sodium, potassium, and calcium) balanced in the body. The kidneys also make hormones that help control blood pressure and stimulate bone marrow to make red blood cells. Products of drug metabolism are also removed from the blood by the kidneys.
Kidneys perform these functions with the help of collecting tubes called nephrons, ureters and storage sac called bladder.
Why is the kidney paired?
Though we cannot specifically explain why kidneys come in twos. This could go beyond having spare organ. Nature embraces symmetry to enhance functionality, strength and beauty.
From our arms, to eyes and limbs, Duality is an important part of divine geometry. Evolution may have so provided us with such in the kidneys to assure maximum functions.
How important is the organ (kidney) to human existence?
The process of metabolism in the body generates wastes which have to be removed
The kidneys perform their life-sustaining job of filtering and returning to the bloodstream about 180 liters of fluid every 24 hours. About two liters are so removed from the body.
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These waste products and excess fluid are removed through the urine. The production of urine involves highly complex steps of excretion and re-absorption. This process is necessary to maintain a stable balance of body chemicals.
The critical regulation of the body’s salt, potassium and acid content is performed by the kidneys. Also, a hormone produced by the kidneys stimulates red blood cell production. Other hormones produced by the kidneys help regulate blood pressure and control calcium metabolism.
In summary, the kidneys perform the following functions:
1. remove waste products from the body
2. remove drugs from the body
3. balance the body’s fluids
4. release hormones that regulate blood pressure
5. produce an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones
control the production of red blood cells
There are reported rise in cases of kidney disease in Africa unlike before. What could be responsible for this?
The rise in cases could actually be because of easier diagnoses and search specifically for kidney related diseases in the population.
In Nigeria for example, about 2 million cases of kidney diseases are detected annually, while 20,000 come down with End Renal complications needing dialysis.
The commonest causes are hypertension, diabetes and kidney infections. The rising cases of drug use and substance abuses is likely responsible for the high numbers amongst youths.
We abuse drugs Alor and even drink herbal concussion unregulated. Various alcoholic drink combinations are consumed recklessly.
Since you have given us an insight into some of the causes, what are some symptoms to raise the red flag?
Some common symptoms include:
1. You’re more tired, have less energy or are having trouble concentrating due to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood.
2.Another complication of kidney disease is anemia, which can cause weakness and fatigue.
3. You could have trouble sleeping. When the kidneys aren’t filtering properly, toxins stay in the blood rather than leaving the body through the urine. This can make it difficult to sleep.
4.You have dry and itchy skin.
5. You feel the need to urinate more often especially at night.
5. You see blood in your urine when the kidney’s filters have been damaged.
6.Your urine is foamy. Excessive bubbles in the urine.
7 You’re experiencing persistent puffiness around your eyes. This puffiness around your eyes can be due to the fact that your kidneys are leaking a large amount of protein in the urine, rather than keeping it in the body.
8.Your ankles and feet are swollen. Decreased kidney function can lead to sodium retention, causing swelling in your feet and ankles. Swelling in the lower extremities can also be a sign of heart disease, liver disease and chronic leg vein problems.
Between males and females who is more at risk of kidney disease and why?
If you look at the various factors of kidney diseases like hypertension, diabetes, infection, drug and alcohol consumption, males appear more prone to kidney diseases. In addition, there is a place for increased testosterone,the male hormones in the causation.
Are Blacks more at risk than White?
Increased cases of kidney diseases are seem in blacks more than whites.
Hypertension and diabetes have racial inclination and are big factors in kidney diseases.
The other factor is lack of access to quality healthcare resulting from ignorance and poverty.
Thirdly, blacks generally seek health care late.
What is dialysis, and what is its relationship with the kidney?
When the wastes in the body accumulate above critical level,the cells and organs cannot function well. Hence they have to be removed by the process of dialysis. This is the seen in end stage renal disease.
At what age should we give attention to kidney tests?
Every age and time.
It becomes increasingly important from the age of 30. Medical check should be done yearly which must include renal function tests..
What are the tips for a healthy kidney?
You are more likely to develop kidney disease if you have:
diabetes
high blood pressure
heart disease
a family history of kidney failure
What can I do to keep my kidneys healthy?
You can protect your kidneys by preventing or managing health conditions that cause kidney damage, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
The steps described below may help keep your whole body healthy, including your kidneys.
During your next medical visit, ask your health care provider about your kidney health.
Early kidney disease may not have any symptoms, so getting tested may be the only way to know your kidneys are healthy.
Your health care provider will help decide how often you should be tested.
See a provider right away if you develop a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can cause kidney damage if left untreated.
Make healthy food choices
Choose foods that are healthy for your heart and your entire body: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products.
Eat healthy meals, and cut back on salt and added sugars. Aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day.
Try to have less than 10 percent of your daily calories come from added sugars.
Choose foods that are healthy for your body.
This edition of e-Discourse, a weekly event organised by Platforms Africa, a forum created by award-winning African journalist, Adeola Yusuf, is moderated by Accra, Ghana-based veteran journalist, Francis KOKUTSE
