A medical expert, Dr. Ademola Ojo, has urged Nigerians to take proactive steps towards protecting their kidney health by adopting healthier lifestyles, managing existing medical conditions and making routine health checks a priority.
Ojo gave the advice during a health awareness campaign focused on “Kidney Diseases: Causes, Prevention and Healthy Living,” where he highlighted the growing need for increased public awareness about kidney disease prevention and early detection.
He described the kidneys as essential organs that perform several critical functions, including filtering waste products and excess fluid from the blood, regulating blood pressure, maintaining electrolyte balance and producing hormones that support red blood cell formation and bone health.
The physician warned that kidney damage often develops gradually and silently, with many people unaware they have a problem until the condition becomes severe.
According to him, this makes early diagnosis, preventive measures and proper management of risk factors crucial in reducing the burden of kidney disease in the country.
Dr. Ojo identified several major causes of kidney disease, including uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes mellitus, repeated kidney infections, untreated urinary tract infections, kidney stones and prolonged misuse of certain medications.
He particularly cautioned against excessive use of painkillers, especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), noting that indiscriminate consumption of such drugs can contribute to kidney damage.
Other risk factors, he said, include smoking, excessive alcohol intake, obesity, hereditary kidney conditions and exposure to certain medications and toxic substances.
The medical expert also highlighted warning signs that should not be ignored, urging individuals experiencing such symptoms to seek medical attention promptly.
He listed the symptoms to include swelling of the legs, ankles, feet or face, changes in urination patterns, blood or foamy urine, persistent tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, difficulty concentrating, poorly controlled blood pressure and shortness of breath in advanced cases.
Ojo stressed that many cases of kidney disease can be prevented through simple but consistent lifestyle choices and proper management of chronic illnesses.
He advised Nigerians to regularly monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar levels, consume balanced meals with reduced salt and processed foods, drink enough clean water, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight and avoid harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
He also warned against self-medication, particularly the uncontrolled use of painkillers and unregulated herbal preparations, which may worsen kidney function.
The physician further encouraged Nigerians to seek early treatment for urinary tract infections and undergo routine medical examinations, especially those living with diabetes or hypertension.
According to him, people with diabetes, individuals suffering from high blood pressure, older adults, smokers, those with a family history of kidney disease and people who are overweight or obese face a higher risk of developing kidney-related complications.
He emphasised that early detection remains one of the most effective ways to prevent kidney failure, explaining that timely medical intervention can improve treatment outcomes and enhance patients’ 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.
Ojo called on Nigerians to make kidney health a regular part of their healthcare routine by undergoing medical evaluations, maintaining healthy habits and seeking professional medical advice when necessary.
He maintained that greater public awareness, preventive healthcare practices and early diagnosis are critical to reducing the impact of kidney disease and protecting the health of millions of Nigerians.