Kidney Problems

Kidney Problems

How common are kidney problems in Africa?

Kidney disease is becoming a major health crisis in Africa. According to health experts, over 15% of Africans suffer from some form of kidney disease, and many do not even know they have it. In Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa, kidney failure cases are rising due to conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and unsafe use of herbal medicines.

The cost of treating kidney disease is also very high. In many African countries, dialysis (a treatment for kidney failure) can cost between $100 and $300 per session, an amount that most families cannot afford. This makes prevention and early detection very important.

What do the kidneys do?

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located at the back of your body, just below your ribs. They are like natural filters that remove waste, excess salt, and water from your blood and pass them out as urine. The kidneys also:

  • Help control blood pressure.
  • Balance important minerals like salt and potassium.
  • Produce red blood cells to prevent anaemia.
  • Help keep your bones strong by managing vitamin D.

What is kidney disease?

Kidney disease happens when your kidneys get damaged and can’t do their job properly. This can lead to serious health problems like high blood pressure, anemia (low blood levels), weak bones, and swelling in the body.

If kidney disease is not treated, the kidneys can completely stop working. When this happens, a person will need dialysis (a machine that filters the blood) or a kidney transplant to survive.

Misconceptions about kidney health?

Many Africans believe myths about kidney health that can be harmful. Some of the common ones include:

  • “Drinking herbal teas and mixtures cleans the kidneys.”
  • This is not true! The kidneys clean themselves naturally. Some herbal mixtures can actually damage the kidneys over time.
  • “You will always feel pain if you have kidney disease.”
  • Wrong! Many people do not feel any symptoms until their kidneys are badly damaged.
  • “If you drink lots of water, you won’t get kidney disease.”
  • Water is important, but kidney disease is caused by many factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and infections.

What causes kidney disease?

There are different types of kidney diseases, and they can be caused by various factors:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

This is the most common type of kidney disease. It happens slowly over time and is mainly caused by:

  • High blood pressure: Damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys.
  • Diabetes: High blood sugar damages the kidneys over time.
  • Long-term use of painkillers and some herbal medicines.

Kidney stones

Kidney stones form when minerals in the urine turn into small, hard deposits. These stones can block urine flow and cause severe pain.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

These are common, especially in women. If not treated, the infection can spread to the kidneys and cause permanent damage.

Polycystic kidney disease

This is an inherited condition where cysts (fluid-filled sacs) grow in the kidneys and reduce their function.

What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

Kidney disease does not always show symptoms in the early stages. However, some warning signs include:

  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swollen feet and ankles
  • Puffiness around the eyes in the morning
  • Frequent urination, especially at night

If the disease gets worse, symptoms may include:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe itching
  • Muscle cramps
  • Breathlessness
  • Sudden weight loss Who is at risk?

You may be at risk of kidney disease if you:

  • Have diabetes or high blood pressure.
  • Have a family history of kidney disease.
  • Are above 50 years old.
  • Use herbal medicines regularly.
  • Eat too much salt or processed foods.

How is kidney disease diagnosed?

Doctors use different tests to check kidney health, including:

  • Urine test: Checks for protein and blood in the urine.
  • Blood test: Measures waste products like creatinine.
  • Ultrasound or CT scan: Shows the size and shape of the kidneys.
  • Kidney biopsy: Takes a small sample of kidney tissue for examination.

How can you prevent kidney disease?

Prevention is better than cure. Here’s how you can protect your kidneys:

  • Drink enough water at least 2 liters a day.
  • Control blood pressure and sugar levels.
  • Reduce salt intake, too much salt can damage the kidneys.
  • Avoid herbal and unregulated medicines.
  • Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
  • Exercise regularly. It helps to maintain a healthy weight.
  • Get regular check-ups if you have high blood pressure or diabetes.

How is kidney disease treated?

If kidney disease is detected early, treatment can slow its progress. Treatment options include:

  • Medication: To control blood pressure and blood sugar.
  • Diet changes: Reducing salt, fat, and processed foods.
  • Dialysis: When kidneys fail, a machine is used to clean the blood.

Kidney transplant: Replacing a damaged kidney with a healthy one from a donor.