Kidney Health Awareness: Caring for Our Kidneys in Soshanguve

Common Risk Factors for Kidney Disease

Certain conditions and traits increase your risk of kidney problems. Knowing these helps you take early action.

• Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage the kidney’s filtering units over time.

• High Blood Pressure: Long-term hypertension strains kidney blood vessels, reducing their filtering ability.

• Family History: Kidney disease often runs in families, increasing your risk if close relatives are affected.

• Obesity: Being overweight raises risk by contributing to diabetes and hypertension.

• Other Factors: Heart disease, older age, smoking, and excessive use of some pain medications may also harm kidneys.

Having risk factors doesn’t guarantee kidney disease, but staying alert and maintaining healthy habits is crucial.

Early Warning Signs of Kidney Problems

Kidney disease may not show symptoms until advanced, but some early signs to watch for include:

• Changes in urination: More frequent urination (especially at night), less frequent urination, foamy or bubbly urine, or blood that darkens urine.

• Swelling: Puffiness in ankles, feet, face, or around the eyes due to fluid buildup.

• Fatigue and weakness: Toxin buildup and anemia from kidney issues can cause tiredness and difficulty concentrating.

• Itchy, dry skin: Waste buildup can lead to persistent itching and dryness.

• Shortness of breath: Fluid in the lungs or anemia can cause breathlessness.

• High blood pressure: Kidneys help regulate BP; dysfunction can cause or worsen hypertension.

• Other symptoms: Loss of appetite, nausea, trouble sleeping, or difficulty thinking clearly.

These symptoms might have other causes, but if you have risk factors, it’s important to see a doctor.

The Importance of Regular Screening and Early Detection

Detecting kidney issues early helps prevent serious complications. Because kidney disease often develops quietly, regular screening is essential—especially if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history. Doctors recommend yearly kidney checks for at-risk individuals.

Routine screening usually includes:

• Blood test: Measures creatinine to estimate kidney filtration (GFR) and assess kidney function.

• Urine test: Checks for protein or blood, early signs of kidney damage.

• Blood pressure check: Monitors BP since high blood pressure both causes and results from kidney problems.

These quick, painless tests catch issues before symptoms appear, allowing early treatment to slow or stop disease progression. Managing diabetes or hypertension early can protect your kidneys.

Even if you feel fine, getting screened is important, many in Soshanguve have undiagnosed conditions that can harm kidneys silently. Think of a yearly kidney check like your regular eye or dental exam.

Where to get screened:
Botshilu Private Hospital offers convenient kidney screenings, and you can also discuss testing with your local clinic. Take advantage of Kidney Awareness Week to schedule your screening. Early detection saves lives.