Your kidneys are your body’s special filter system. They are vital for your good health. But in Australia, chronic kidney disease is twice as common as diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Without kidneys working properly, we get a buildup of toxins, which can make us very sick. This is called kidney disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
One in ten Australians have signs of kidney disease<\/a>. Worse, 3 in 4 are at risk of developing kidney disease, according to Kidney Health Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The difficulty is that it’s possible to lose 90 percent of your kidney function before experiencing any symptoms. There may be limited warning signs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n About 1.8 million Australians are unaware they have kidney disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your kidneys are responsible for several key jobs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most people are born with two kidneys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each one is about the size of your fist, reddish brown in colour, and the shape of a bean. They are at the bottom of your rib cage on either side of your spine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Warning signs that there may be a problem with the function of your kidneys can include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, many people don’t have any symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re unsure, make an appointment<\/a> to see your doctor. Your doctor can do a routine kidney check, which involves a blood test, a urine test, and a blood pressure check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s important to understand that kidney disease is a treatable condition. Early intervention is best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Chronic kidney disease (CKD) often has no symptoms in its early stages. Underlying conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, or autoimmune disorders gradually inflict kidney damage, impairing the ability to function properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As CKD progresses, symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, and changes in urine output may emerge. Nephrologists are kidney specialists. If a person suffers severe kidney failure, they may require dialysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dialysis is a medical procedure used to artificially remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform this function. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dialysis helps maintain proper electrolyte balance and fluid levels in the body, preventing the buildup of harmful toxins that can lead to serious complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Risk factors include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The leading causes of CKD are diabetes and high blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n May is Kidney Health Week<\/a> and Kidney Action Week<\/a>. These are to encourage people to do the 2-minute kidney risk test to better understand kidney health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kidney Health Australia has a kidney risk test<\/a> you can do online. It takes just two minutes and will help answer any questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nutrition Australia<\/a> has more advice on caring for your kidneys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As mentioned, kidney disease is commonplace, but treatable. It is likely to be managed by a combination of medicines and lifestyle changes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn More<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This article is general and shouldn’t be relied on as personal medical advice. Please speak to your doctor for the information that is right for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Your kidneys are your body’s filter system and vital for your good health. But in Australia, chronic kidney disease is twice as common as diabetes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6931,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[109,2],"tags":[82],"class_list":["post-6926","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-109","category-articles","tag-kidneys"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWhat are my kidneys for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Where are they?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What are the warning signs of a kidney problem?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What does kidney disease look like?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is dialysis?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why do people get kidney problems?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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May is Kidney Month<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Take the Kidney Risk Test<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How do I look after my kidney health?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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