Your kidneys rarely complain. They are two quiet, hard working organs that filter your blood day and night, and they can lose a large share of their function before you notice anything is wrong at all.
That silence is exactly why kidney disease is so often caught late. The encouraging side of the story is that a great deal of kidney damage is preventable, and much of it is driven by two conditions that are very common in Trinidad and Tobago and very much within our control.
What your kidneys do
Your kidneys are a pair of organs, each about the size of a fist, that filter waste and extra fluid out of your blood and pass it out as urine. They do more than clean the blood, though. They help control blood pressure, balance the body's salts and water, and keep your bones and blood healthy.
When they are damaged over a long period, this is called chronic kidney disease, meaning the kidneys gradually work less well. In its early stages it usually causes no symptoms at all, which is why testing matters so much.
The two biggest threats, and both are manageable
By far the most common causes of kidney damage are diabetes and high blood pressure. Both are widespread here, and both silently injure the tiny filtering units inside the kidneys over years.
High blood sugar damages the delicate blood vessels the kidneys rely on to filter. High blood pressure strains those same vessels. This is why keeping both under good control is the single most important thing you can do for your kidneys, and why anyone with either condition should have their kidney function checked regularly.
How to protect your kidneys
The steps are practical and they overlap heavily with general good health.
Control blood pressure and blood sugar. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, take your medicines as prescribed, attend your reviews, and keep your numbers in the target range your doctor sets.
Stay well hydrated. Water is the kidneys' best friend, especially in our heat. Drink enough that your urine stays pale, and increase it when you are active or unwell. Cut back on sugary and heavily sweetened drinks.
Watch the salt. A high salt diet raises blood pressure. Cook with less salt, go easy on salted snacks, cured meats and very salty seasonings, and taste before you reach for the shaker.
Keep a healthy weight and stay active. Regular movement and a balanced diet help control both blood pressure and blood sugar, which protects the kidneys in turn.
Do not smoke. Smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys and speeds up damage. Stopping helps them, along with your heart and lungs.
Medicines that can harm the kidneys
Some everyday medicines can strain the kidneys, particularly if taken often, in high amounts, or when you are dehydrated. The most common are a group of painkillers called non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, which includes several widely used over the counter tablets for pain and inflammation.
Taken occasionally as directed they are usually fine, but regular heavy use, especially in someone who already has kidney or blood pressure problems, can cause harm. Certain herbal remedies and some other medicines can also affect the kidneys. The safe rule is to check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking painkillers regularly, and to tell them about any kidney concern.
The tests that catch trouble early
Because early kidney disease is silent, testing is the only way to find it in time to act. Two simple tests do most of the work.
A blood test measures how well your kidneys are filtering. A urine test checks for protein or blood in the urine, which can be an early warning sign. Both are quick and available in our laboratory on site. If more detail is needed, an ultrasound or CT scan can show the structure of the kidneys, and both are available here.
Warning signs worth noticing
Later kidney trouble can cause swelling in the ankles, feet or around the eyes, unusual tiredness, a change in how much or how often you pass urine, foamy urine, or feeling generally unwell. These are not proof of kidney disease, but they are a good reason to get tested rather than to wait.
What to do next
If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, ask for a simple kidney check at your next visit, and make it a regular part of your care. If you take painkillers often, have a word with a doctor about whether they are safe for you.
Kidneys are patient and forgiving, but only up to a point. Protecting them is not complicated, and catching any problem early is the difference that keeps them working for the rest of your life.
Have diabetes or high blood pressure? Get your kidneys checked at Newtown.
A simple blood and urine test, a consultation, ultrasound and CT scanning, and ongoing chronic disease management are all available under one roof at 55 Woodford Street, Port of Spain. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, regular kidney checks are one of the best ways to protect them. If advanced kidney treatment such as dialysis is ever needed, we will refer you to the right specialist service. Our Accident and Emergency department is open 24 hours.
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your own health. If you believe you have a medical emergency, call or visit our 24-hour Accident and Emergency department immediately.