‘Don't sit on your symptoms’: Kidney Health workers urge early checks

Health workers are warning us that ignoring our kidneys can lead to lifelong complications.

“They’re about the same size as your fist," says renal educator Sini Taunaholo-Ropeti.

“These incredible organs are actually full of tiny filters and blood vessels that remove excess water and waste from your blood, which then turns into urine.

"They also help control your blood pressure and even assist in making red blood cells."

Speaking to John Pulu on PMN Tonga, Taunaholo-Ropeti says her work with Kidney Health NZ is deeply personal.

"My husband is a dialysis patient. I'm also a mother of five, two of them who were recently diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, so I understand the importance of early detection and education, which makes the work that I do more meaningful."

Each week, eight New Zealanders begin kidney dialysis treatment, and more than 400 people are waiting for a kidney transplant.

Merryn Jones, clinical manager at Kidney Health NZ, spent 15 years as a dialysis manager and transplant coordinator and says prevention and early treatment are key.

"Dialysis and transplant is the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. It's too late once someone's kidneys have lost their function to make it right.

"When we provide community testing and education, if we can detect issues early, we can be the fence at the top of the cliff."

A disproportionate impact on Pacific communities

A University of Otago study in 2022 shows that Pacific people experience higher rates of chronic kidney disease (CKD) compared to New Zealand Europeans.

Rob Walker, study co-author and professor at Dunedin School of Medicine, says there’s an urgent need for increased funding and support to address this “epidemic of kidney disease”, along with community education.

“What is alarming is that although it is known that these ethnic groups have higher rates of kidney disease, less than 50 per cent of this at-risk population actually had their kidney function tested and only about 25 per cent had had their urine analysed.”

The kidney is a small organ, tucked behind the rib cage. Photo/Robina Weirmeijer via Unsplash

Taunaholo-Ropeti says symptoms of kidney disease, such as needing to urinate more often, can go unnoticed.

“They might feel a bit more tired, cold, sick, off their food so they don't feel like eating anymore, itchy skin, swollen feet or legs, finding that you need to get up in the middle of the night to go and pee.

"I would go and get that checked by your doctor. Don't sit on your symptoms."

Jones says health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can speed up the decline of kidney function.

How to protect your kidneys

Jones encourages us to make lifestyle changes to protect our kidneys.

"Drink plenty of water. Eat healthy food. Keep physically active. Even mowing the lawns and vacuuming is active, it doesn't have to be going to the gym.

"Quit smoking if you're a smoker. But most importantly, manage your blood pressure and diabetes well, take your medications as prescribed, and have regular health checks with your GP or nurse."

World Kidney Day is on 13 March. Kidney Health NZ will offer free kidney screenings at various community events over the next two weeks, including the Pasfiika Festival in Auckland and Polyfest in Christchurch.