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Medical expert, Dr. Ademola Ojo, has urged Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles and go for regular medical check-ups to curb the rising cases of kidney disease in the country.
Speaking on Saturday during a health awareness programme on Kidney Diseases: Causes, Prevention and Healthy Living on African Portal Radio/TV with host Dare Olusan, Dr. Ojo described the kidneys as vital organs responsible for filtering waste, regulating blood pressure, maintaining electrolyte balance, and producing hormones for red blood cell formation and bone health.
He warned that kidney damage often occurs silently and may go unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage, making early detection and prevention critical.
According to him, major causes of kidney disease include uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, recurrent kidney infections, untreated urinary tract infections, kidney stones, excessive use of painkillers, especially NSAIDs, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, hereditary disorders, and exposure to toxic substances.
Dr. Ojo listed warning signs that require urgent medical attention, including 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 blood pressure; and shortness of breath.
The physician stressed that kidney disease is largely preventable through healthy lifestyle choices and proper management of chronic conditions.
He advised Nigerians to monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar, drink adequate clean water, eat balanced meals with reduced salt and processed foods, exercise regularly, maintain healthy body weight, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, and shun self-medication, particularly indiscriminate use of painkillers and unregulated herbal remedies.
He also urged prompt treatment of urinary tract infections and routine medical examinations, especially for people living with diabetes or hypertension.
Dr. Ojo identified people with diabetes, hypertension, older adults, smokers, those with a family history of kidney disease, and the overweight or obese as being at higher risk.
“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.
The medical expert concluded that increased public awareness, early detection, and preventive healthcare are key to reducing the prevalence of kidney disease and safeguarding the health of millions of Nigerians.
