A Consultant Nephrologist at University College Hospital, Ibadan, Dr Yemi Raji has advised Nigerians to embrace prevention as the best treatment for kidney problems.
Raji gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan on Thursday.
He spoke at the 2023 World Kidney Day celebration.
According to him, Kidney disease has become a huge burden globally and Nigeria, with its growing economy, is not left out.
He put the prevalence rate of the disease at between 16 per cent and 26 per cent at the community level.
“But chronic kidney disease accounts for eight per cent to 10 per cent of all medical admissions.
“I have observed over the last decade that the burden of the disease has increased more in our environment.
“So, as part of reducing this burden all over the world, every year, world kidney day is commemorated on the second Thursday of every March.
“The purpose is to create awareness about kidney disease, the problem and causes and how to prevent it.
“For this year, the theme is ‘Kidney health for all: Preparing for the unexpected and supporting the vulnerable.’
“We have many vulnerable people in our community, like the motherless, refugees and Internally Displaced Persons.
“We are taking the message to them to educate them on kidney disease and how they can prevent it,” he said.
According to him, kidney disease is a big burden, particularly, if the kidney has been damaged completely.
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“People need to start going for dialysis or kidney transplantation, which is very expensive.
“So, how many people can afford this?
“That is why we must find a way to prevent rather than treat. This is why prevention is quite important.”
He, therefore, advised those suffering from diabetes, hypertension or other ailments to go to the appropriate facility for treatment.
Raji remarked that people indulge in many things that could cause kidney disease, including the abuse of painkiller drugs.
“People go to the pharmacy and chemists to buy all sorts of painkillers and this has a bad effect on their kidney or damages it.
“People should avoid self-medication. “They should go to the hospital whenever they are sick.
“People should also learn to take a lot of water because it helps the kidney.
“They should also reduce their salt intake and take lots of fruits,” he said.
Raji further advised people to avoid packaged foods and to visit hospitals regularly and not only when they are very sick.
“Government is not doing enough and, of course, can’t do it alone. “That is why it is good to do preventive care.”
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