The Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN) says 11 per cent of Nigerians are infected with kidney disease.
The Nephrologists made this known at a news conference after the end of their 4-day Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference on Tuesday in Maiduguri.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, worried over the sad development, the association met in Maiduguri to provide workable solutions toward tackling the problem in the country.
The National President of the Association, Prof. Jacob Awobusuyi, who expressed concern over the increasing cases of kidney disease, said one out of 10 Nigerians was affected or infected with the disease.
He said the conference, comprising doctors, nurses, medical health workers, traditional rulers, and others who specialised in managing patients with various forms of Kidney disease had succeeded in providing a platform in which rich scientific exchange, practical training, and policy dialogue could be explored.
Awobusuyi said that the Platform was expected to provide innovative approaches to dialysis and transplantation, preventive nephrology, community-based screening, task-shifting, and sustainable financing models.
NAN reports that the conference theme was “Kidney Health in a Resource-Limited Environment.”
He said the conference was timely because it gave them the opportunity to collective shared experiences as professionals.
“Chronic Kidney Disease in Women”, the National President highlights a critical
and often under-recognised public health concern, whereby Women face unique biological, social, and economic challenges that affect their access to kidney care, adding that, Pregnancy-related kidney disorders, autoimmune diseases, delayed presentation, and financial dependency contribute to poorer outcomes.
“By focusing on this issue, we
reaffirm our commitment to gender-sensitive, equitable, and
Inclusive renal healthcare.
“This conference has provided
a platform for rich scientific exchange, practical training, and policy dialogue. We have examined innovative approaches to dialysis and transplantation, preventive nephrology, community-based screening, task-shifting, and sustainable financing models.
“We had also explored how digital health solutions, partnerships, and local innovations can expand
access to renal services,” Awobusuyi said.
Also speaking, the Chairman Local Organising Committee of the Conference, who is the Director of the Kidney Centre at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Prof. Ibrahim Ummate, thanked Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno for providing an enabling environment for the successful and fruitful conference.
He said that the major causes of kidney disease were people with High Blood Pressure (Hipertension), Diabetics, habitual use of herbal or traditional medicine and consuming over-the-counter drugs, women using bleaching creams, spraying Insecticides and Pesticides on agricultural products such as beans, vegetables, among other consumables.
He, therefore, cautioned people with such habits or characteristics to be careful not to be infected with the disease.
ABC Of Kidneys
Your kidneys are two small, bean-shaped organs that sit below the ribs on either side of the spine. Roughly the size of a fist, kidneys are in charge of filtering the blood and removing toxic substances from the food we eat, expelling these toxins out in the form of waste products. Kidneys also help maintain the delicate balance of fluids in the body.
Your kidneys filter about 200 quarts of fluid every day — enough to fill a large bathtub. During this process, your kidneys remove waste, which leaves your body as urine (pee). Most people pee about two quarts daily. Your body re-uses the other 198 quarts of fluid.
Your kidneys also help balance your body’s fluids (mostly water) and electrolytes. Electrolytes are essential minerals that include sodium and potassium.
—–Frequently Asked Questions——
Is drinking a lot of water good for my kidneys?
Drinking an appropriate amount of water is good for your kidneys. Water helps your kidneys get rid of toxins and wastes through your pee. It also helps keep your blood vessels healthy, making it easier for blood to deliver necessary nutrients to your kidneys.
It’s also a good idea to drink an appropriate amount of water to help prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Kidney stones are less likely to form when you have enough water in your kidneys. You’re less likely to get a UTI when you drink a lot of water because you’ll pee more. Peeing helps flush out the bacteria that cause UTIs.
In general, the color of your pee can reveal if you’re drinking enough water. Your pee should be light yellow or clear if you’re drinking enough water. If you’re dehydrated, your pee will be dark yellow.
How much water should I drink to keep my kidneys healthy?
On average, males should drink about 13 cups (3 liters) of water each day. On average, females should drink about 9 cups (a little over 2 liters) of water each day.
What are the first signs of a kidney problem?
· weight loss and poor appetite.
· swollen ankles, feet or hands – as a result of water retention (oedema)
· shortness of breath.
· tiredness.
· blood in your pee (urine)
· an increased need to pee – particularly at night.
· difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
· itchy skin.
What is the best drink to flush your kidneys?
Water has no calories, sugar, or additives. It is, without a doubt, the best choice for kidney health. Kidneys use water to filter waste and keep the body working correctly. Drinking enough water also helps prevent kidney stones and urinary tract infections, which can worsen kidney problems.
Which fruit cleans the kidneys?
Watermelon is a mild diuretic. It hydrates and cleanses the kidneys. It is also rich in lycopene, which improves cardiovascular health and ensures well-functioning kidneys. Watermelon also has large quantities of potassium salts which regulate acidity of urine and prevents stone formation.
What color is urine when your kidneys are failing?
When kidneys are failing, urine can be a variety of darker colors, including dark yellow, amber, brown, or even red or pink if blood is present. This is due to the kidneys’ reduced ability to filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood, causing these substances to accumulate and alter the urine’s color.
Where is kidney pain felt?
Kidney pain is typically felt in the side (flank) or lower back, just below the rib cage, and can sometimes radiate to the abdomen or groin. It often feels like a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain. Unlike muscle pain, kidney pain is often constant and may not be relieved by changing positions.
—–Some Ways To Maintain A Healthy Kidney——
Blood pressure control: Uncontrolled hypertension is said to be among the leading causes of kidney failure. Hypertension is an elevation in blood pressure with values greater than 140 mmHg and 90 mmHg for systolic and diastolic pressures respectively. Increase in blood pressure targets and destroys the kidneys over time. This leads to irreversible kidney damage that will require dialysis and kidney transplant. It is estimated that one in every three Nigerians is battling with hypertension. Control of blood pressure greatly reduces the risk of developing kidney disease and it is an important factor in maintaining healthy kidneys.
Alcohol: Excessive consumption of alcohol damages the cells in the kidneys. When this happens, the cells can no longer function properly, leading to kidney disease. Cutting alcohol reduces the stress on the kidneys.
Smoking: Cigarettes contain over 200 toxins. These toxins increase metabolic stress on the kidneys and other vital organs. Oxidants target and destroy tiny blood vessels found in the kidneys and also increase oxidative stress, leading to cell death. When cells in the kidneys die, the kidneys can no longer perform their key functions.
Water: The benefits of drinking adequate water daily cannot be overemphasized. About 70 percent of an adult’s weight is made up of water, and water is needed by all of the body’s cells and organs. Drinking enough water daily improves kidney functions, leading to healthy kidneys.
Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants, which target and neutralize toxins and reactive free radicals that damage the cells of the kidneys. Fruits contain vitamins and minerals that are essential for fighting against diseases and infections. Consuming fruits and vegetables daily is another way of maintaining healthy living.
Avoid over-the-counter drugs: Statistically, it has been shown that nearly every adult in Nigeria has taken drugs not prescribed by the doctor or pharmacist. Several drugs available on the market are nephrotoxic, meaning that they can damage the kidneys if not taken with caution. Taking over-the-counter drugs (OTCs) can be very harmful and in major hospitals in Nigeria, it has been identified as a major cause of kidney damage.
These drugs, when taken for a prolonged period of time, can damage the unique and labile cells of the kidneys, leading to kidney failure. To prevent renal damage, endeavour to only take drugs that have been prescribed by your physician.
Reduce salt intake: Salt is part of a normal diet. Adequate salt is healthy for the body, but taking salt in excess can damage the kidneys. It has been noted that African kidneys can’t handle salt in the same way as Caucasians, and this has become a major public health concern because an increase in salt intake has been attributed to hypertension in Africans. Increased salt intake leads to the accumulation of water in the body, which in turn leads to increase in blood volume. The heart then works harder trying to pump this excess fluid in the body and this ultimately leads to hypertension, which damages and destroys the kidneys. Reducing salt intake reduces the risk of hypertension, helping to maintain healthy kidneys.
Adequate sugar control: Diabetes is a major disease that destroys the kidneys. An increase in blood sugar targets the cells of the kidneys, leading to kidney failure. Diabetes is second to hypertension as the leading cause of kidney failure in Nigeria. For patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, it is important that you control your blood sugar properly to prevent kidney injury and damage.
Regular exercise: Having regular exercise increases blood flow to vital organs in the body, helps in weight reduction/maintaining adequate weight, increases the secretion of dopamine in the body, and rejuvenates and relaxes the body. All these factors increase blood flow to the kidneys and also help in maintaining healthy kidneys.
Avoid obesity and watch your cholesterol: Obesity is another risk factor for kidney damage. Increased blood cholesterol accumulates within the lumen of blood vessels that carry blood into the kidneys and this reduces blood supply to the kidneys. When this happens, kidney cells begin to die and, subsequently, kidney damage occurs. Maintaining healthy kidneys implies that you must control your weight by regular exercise, adequate and healthy diet, and watching your blood cholesterol. Kidney failure is a debilitating medical condition that puts strain on the patients and caregivers. The best approach is to prevent kidney failure before it takes place.
