Understanding Your Kidney Health: When to See a Nephrologist

The Kidneys Filter 200 Liters Per Day

Your two kidneys process all of your body's blood every 30 minutes, removing waste products and excess water. When kidney function declines — even mildly — the consequences affect your entire body.

Who Is at Risk?

In Ethiopia, the leading causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are:

1. **Diabetes** — high blood sugar damages the glomeruli (kidney filters) 2. **Hypertension** — consistently high BP destroys blood vessels in the kidney 3. **Recurrent kidney infections** — often from inadequately treated UTIs 4. **Kidney stones** — especially if large or recurrent 5. **Overuse of NSAIDs** — ibuprofen and diclofenac are particularly nephrotoxic 6. **Traditional herbal medicines** — some widely used herbal preparations are toxic to kidneys

Early Warning Signs

- Foamy urine (protein in urine) - Swollen ankles, feet, or face (fluid retention) - Blood in urine (hematuria) - Frequent nighttime urination - Persistent fatigue and weakness - High blood pressure that is difficult to control

The eGFR Number — What It Means

Your eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) tells you how well your kidneys filter. Normal is above 90. Anything below 60 persisting for 3 months is classified as chronic kidney disease and requires nephrology follow-up.

Dialysis — What to Know

Bethzatha's in-hospital Dialysis Unit provides hemodialysis for patients with end-stage renal failure. Modern hemodialysis allows patients to live full, active lives with 3 sessions per week.

Protecting Your Kidneys

- Control blood pressure and blood sugar rigorously - Stay well hydrated (1.5-2L of water daily unless otherwise instructed) - Avoid unnecessary NSAIDs — use paracetamol for pain when possible - Annual kidney function tests if you have diabetes or hypertension

*Schedule a nephrology consultation at Bethzatha to have your kidney function assessed.*