There has been an increase in cases of Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Nigeria over the years, with more than 20 million people living with kidney disease and at least 20,000 developing End Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) requiring dialysis or a transplant to survive.According to the most recent statistics from the Nigerian Association of Nephrology (NAN), the majority of CKD sufferers are of working age, with the condition causing many to lose their jobs and fall into poverty.

According to the NAN, the condition not only necessitates exorbitant sums of money for treatment, but also leaves patients constantly exhausted, in pain, and at risk of death.

Dr. Usman Olamelekan, Head Cardiologist and Consultant at Lagos Government Hospital, told Naija News, "Kidney disease is becoming increasingly prevalent in Nigeria and among Nigerians of all ages, as people as young as 10, 15, and 20 suffer tremendously from the disease."

According to Dr. Usman Olamelekan, kidney diseases can be either chronic (characterized by a progressive loss of kidney function due to a long-term disease) or acute (abrupt loss of kidney function within seven days due to heart attack, illegal drug use, infections)

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"One of the leading causes of the disease among Nigerians is hypertension, type 1 or type 2 diabetes." Then there is chronic Glomerulonephritis (CGM), which occurs when a minor skin infection is not properly treated," Dr. Usman explained.

Dr. Usman observed that recurrent benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as (BPH), could cause kidney damage in older adults. Recurrent urinary tract infections in women may result in kidney damage.

"A recurrent kidney infection can lead to kidney disease," he continued.

The continued use of drugs and antibiotics, particularly painkillers, can lead to kidney disease, as he listed further causes.

Dr. Usman stated that kidney disease is typically asymptomatic in its early stages; however, patients with urinary tract infections experience nausea and lower abdominal pain while urinating.

"Nausea, unnecessary weakness, and bone pain are among the earliest kidney disease symptoms that patients experience. In addition to early morning facial swelling, they develop complications such as blood deficiency and a progressive decrease in urine output," he noted.

The nephrologist insisted that people must maintain a healthy lifestyle, as the leading causes of kidney disease, hypertension and diabetes, are lifestyle-related conditions.

"Carbonated beverages, excessive alcohol, and foods containing flour should be avoided at all costs," Dr. Usman told Naija News.

He then urged adults to maintain a low-salt diet, no more than 5 grams per day, and to drastically reduce their consumption of red meat, tobacco, and drugs.

Fresh and all types of fish are acceptable, as are a moderate amount of fresh fruits, such as Apple, banana, and watermelon, and plenty of vegetables, as well as regular water intake and maintaining hygiene.

Check your blood pressure regularly at a government facility, but more importantly, lead a healthy lifestyle.