All You Should Know About Kidney Disease, The Silent Killer

•  Kidney disease, signs, symptoms, prevention

The kidneys are found in the lower back. These organs filter the blood and eradicate toxins from the body.

The toxins are sent to the bladder which is why the bladder controls the urine. When you urinate, the bladder releases toxins.

When there is kidney failure, these processes of releasing toxins won’t be achievable. This may be due to certain imbalances in your health caused by certain activities. The food or drinks you take may also affect your kidney health.

March 11 is a day set aside to raise awareness of the importance of our kidneys to overall health and to reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease and associated health problems worldwide.

Here is everything to know about the silent killer disease.

What Are The Symptoms Of Kidney Disease?

1. Fatigue: You get tired a lot, even when you’ve eaten well enough.

2. Mouth odour: The mouth stinks of ammonia.

3. Loss of appetite: You haven’t been eating well lately, and when lunch is due, you just don’t feel like it.

4. You have difficulty urinating, and your urine is foamy; this could be a symptom of kidney stones. Frequent urination and smelly urine are also symptoms.

5. Nausea or Vomiting.

6. You lose concentration.

7. Difficulty in breathing.

8. Feeling cold every time.

9. Upper back and leg pains.

10.  Metallic taste in the mouth.

What Tests Can You Go For To Detect A Kidney Disease?

When you get to the hospital or laboratory, here are some tests you can ask to do:

1. Kidney Tissue sample
2. Ultrasounds
3. Urinalysis
4. Blood tests (especially blood sugar)
5. MRI’s
6. CT scans

How Do You Prevent Kidney Diseases?

1. Stop abuse of painkillers like NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
2. Increase your water intake
3. Quit smoking.
4. Reduce alcohol intake.
5. Eating Processed Foods e.g. foods high in sodium and phosphorus.
6. Limit your sugar and salt intake
7. Exercise frequently
8. Minimize exposure to air pollution (carbon monoxide, toxic odours, etc)
9. Have a healthy diet by incorporating more vegetables and fruits