Kidney Health
Did you know it is possible for a person to lose up to 90% of their kidney function before experiencing any symptoms of kidney disease?
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing public health problem. Approximately 1 in 10 Australians over 18 years have evidence of CKD. In CKD, the kidneys slowly stop working over a period of months or years. The kidneys have many important functions in the body, including filtering the blood and producing urine to remove excess fluid and waste from the body. The kidneys also produce several hormones that are important for heart, blood and bone health. People with CKD are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death, as well as anaemia and bone disease.
Typically, CKD has no symptoms, and despite affecting 1 in 10, many people are not even aware that they have kidney problems. One-third of Australians are at increased risk of developing CKD. You may be at increased risk of developing CKD if you:
have diabetes
have high blood pressure (hypertension)
have established heart problems (heart failure or heart attack) and/or have had a stroke
have a family history of kidney disease
are obese (BMI >30)
are a smoker
are 60 years or older
are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin.
If you are worried about your kidney health you should speak to your doctor. Symptoms indicative of kidney health concerns may include (but not be limited to):
a change in the frequency and quantity of urine passed, especially at night (usually an increase at first)
blood in the urine (haematuria)
foaming urine
puffiness around the eyes and ankles (oedema)
pain in the back (under the lower ribs, where the kidneys are located)
pain or burning when passing urine.
Your doctor may order tests to diagnose kidney disease, determine the degree of damage, and identify treatment options. Early detection of kidney disease is important. When detected early, medicines can be used to manage CKD to prevent/stop progression, and kidney damage getting worse. Patients with severe CKD, or kidney failure, need dialysis treatment to filter their blood (a key function of the kidneys), or a kidney transplant.
Our local pharmacy can help too. Our pharmacy offers professional services to help you control your diabetes or blood pressure, reduce your weight, or stop smoking. Managing these conditions will improve your kidney health and reduce your risk of developing CKD. Many medicines, including commonly used medicines for pain, can affect kidney health too. Pharmacists are medicines experts – if you have kidney problems or are at increased risk of CKD, pharmacists can provide advice on medicines you should avoid, and medicines which are excreted by the kidneys (‘renally cleared’).
Pop in and ask any of our knowledgeable Pharmacists any questions you might have about your medicines or about kidney disease.
Reproduced from the PSA Health Column 21/1/15
