Kidney failure is the final step of kidney disease. It occurs when the kidneys can no longer process fluid normally. If kidney problems are detected early enough, doctors can take steps to slow the progression of the disease. Without preventative measures, kidney function just continues to decrease, until the patient has to go on dialysis. At that point, the only real options are dialysis or a kidney transplant. However, there are steps that can prevent kidney failure or at least delay its occurrence from happening:
  • Control your blood pressure at all costs. Chronic high blood pressure is one of the most common causes of kidney failure in adult men and women.
  • Take your medicines for Diabetes and High blood pressure regularly, and follow your doctor’s instructions.
  • Quit smoking. Cigarette smoke causes a variety of health problems that can increase your chance of kidney failure. If you stop smoking, it will also lower your blood pressure, which is important for preventing kidney failure.
  • Stop drinking alcohol. You can reduce the strain on your kidneys by cutting all alcoholic drinks out of your lifestyle. These drinks require that your kidneys work very hard and not drinking them can help prevent kidney problems.
  • Drink plenty of water. Even though your kidneys may be damaged, they should still be able to process water. Try to drink at least eight glasses each day.
  • See your doctor and have regular blood and urine tests done. These tests will notice any developing issues before you start to notice symptoms.
  • DO NOT use any prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines or any herbal or nutrition supplements without talking to your doctor
  • DO NOT use bleaching creams especially those that contain mercury
  • DO NOT abuse painkillers, as the adverts say, “If after 2 days you don’t feel better, see your doctor”. This is important.Screen yourself for kidney problems:
  1. Know your blood pressure – it should not be higher than 130/80mmHg
  2. Do a urinalysis: What you are checking for are the following:
  •  Protein: if this is present, your kidney might not be working well
  •  Glucose: if you are diabetic, you at a higher risk for kidney failure
  • If these tests are suggestive of kidney disease, your doctor can order more definite tests of kidney function to make a diagnosis.
Take these steps to keep your kidneys healthy
  1.  Manage your diabetes and keep your blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg.
    •  Eat healthy and cut back on salt
    •  Be active
    •  Take medicines as prescribed
    •  Get blood and urine tests to check for kidney disease.
  2. Ask your doctor about blood pressure medicines that can help slow down kidney disease.
For more information Tel: 01 – 8102805 E-mail: info@nkidneyfoundation.org