LifestyleNews
Chronic kidney disease, the silent killer
Kidney disease is most often only diagnosed at an advanced stage, that is why it is called the “silent killer.” According to the National Kidney Foundation of South Africa, end stage kidney disease is on the increase amongst South Africans due to the high prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and HIV.
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Did you know that our kidneys filter about 150 litres of fluid per day? If your kidneys are not functioning as they should, even if you have as little as 10% of the normal function left, you won’t necessarily have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, headaches, itching, decreased urine output, easy bruising and drowsiness.
Kidney disease is most often only diagnosed at an advanced stage, that is why it is called the “silent killer.” According to the National Kidney Foundation of South Africa, end stage kidney disease is on the increase amongst South Africans due to the high prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and HIV.
The number of patients receiving dialysis treatment is growing at a rate of 6,6% per year (www.nkf.org.za).
As part of their commitment to save patients’ lives, B. Braun Avitum now offers a service to sufferers of kidney disease in the Vaal Triangle. These services include Haemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis and Transplant work-up if you are a suitable candidate.
Currently 4 300 individuals in South Africa are on the waiting list for organs, of which there is always a shortage. For example in 2013 only 222 patients could receive kidney transplants (www.odf.org.za).* Kidney Wise is an extensive awareness and educational programme informing patients of the impact of chronic kidney disease and the progression thereof, with specific attention to early detection.Do you suffer from any of the following: High blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, chronic infection, HIV, obesity, cholesterol and/or a family history of kidney disease? If you have answered YES to any of these conditions, please contact the B. Braun’s Unit for further advice.
How can you prevent kidney disease? Control your blood pressure and blood sugar level, adjust your diet, maintain a healthy body weight, exercise regularly, quit smoking and reduce over the counter medicines.
For the convenience of kidney patients in the Vaal Triangle, dialysis units are now available in Vereeniging, Midvaal and Emfuleni where a fulltime Nephrologist (Kidney and Dialysis Specialist) is in attendance.
For more information, contact any of the following renal units:
• Emfuleni Renal Unit: (016) 933 4980
• Midvaal Renal Unit: (016) 423 6522
• Vereeniging Renal Unit: (016) 421 1326
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