…warns against rising cases of kidney disease

A medical expert, Dr. Ademola Ojo, has called on Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles and embrace regular medical check-ups to reduce the growing burden of kidney disease in the country.

Speaking during a health awareness campaign on Kidney Diseases: Causes, Prevention and Healthy Living, Dr. Ojo described the kidneys as vital organs responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood, regulating blood pressure, maintaining electrolyte balance, and producing hormones essential for red blood cell formation and healthy bones.

He warned that damage to the kidneys often occurs silently and may remain unnoticed until the disease has reached an advanced stage, making early detection and prevention critical.

According to him, some of the leading causes of kidney disease include uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, recurrent kidney infections, untreated urinary tract infections, kidney stones, excessive use of painkillers, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, hereditary kidney disorders, and exposure to certain medications and toxic substances.

Dr. Ojo also highlighted several warning signs that should prompt immediate medical attention. These include swelling of the legs, ankles, feet or face, frequent or reduced urination, blood or foamy urine, persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, difficulty concentrating, poorly controlled high blood pressure, and shortness of breath in advanced stages.

The physician stressed that kidney disease is largely preventable through healthy lifestyle choices and proper management of chronic illnesses. He advised Nigerians to monitor and control their blood pressure, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, drink adequate clean water, eat balanced meals with reduced salt and processed foods, engage in regular physical exercise, maintain a healthy body weight, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake, and refrain from self-medication, particularly the indiscriminate use of painkillers and unregulated herbal remedies.

He also urged members of the public to seek prompt treatment for urinary tract infections and to undergo routine medical examinations, especially individuals living with diabetes or hypertension.

Dr. Ojo identified people living with diabetes, those with hypertension, older adults, smokers, individuals with a family history of kidney disease, and people who are overweight or obese as being at greater risk of developing kidney-related complications.

He noted that early diagnosis remains one of the most effective ways of preventing kidney failure, adding that timely medical intervention can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life.

“KIDNEY disease often develops without obvious symptoms in its early stages. By the time many patients notice signs, the condition may already be advanced. That is why routine health screening and healthy living are essential,” he said.

Dr. Ojo therefore urged Nigerians to make kidney health a priority by regularly checking their blood pressure and blood sugar levels, drinking enough water, maintaining healthy eating habits, avoiding self-medication, and consulting qualified healthcare professionals for regular medical evaluations.

He maintained that increased public awareness, early detection, and preventive healthcare remain key to reducing the prevalence of kidney disease and safeguarding the health of millions of Nigerians.