A kidney is either of the pair of organs responsible for the excretion of nitrogenous wastes, principally urea, from the blood. It is situated at the back of the abdomen below the diaphragm. It looks like a bean seed, at least that is what we are told. You can see for yourself when next you're at the butcher's. The active units of the kidney are the nephrons.
Kidney disease is one of the major causes of death in the world today. In Nigeria, it is dubbed along side heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer as major NCDs (Non Communicable Disorders). Kidney disease has also been reported to be present at birth (CONGENITAL KIDNEY DISEASE). But beyond this, we are the architect and masterminds of the kind of body we want whether healthy or otherwise.
 |
| position of the kidney in the human body. Photo source: scienceinspiration.blogspot.com |
Have you seen recent publications on Newspapers and visuals emanating from our terrestrial stations from patients in moribund states seeking help?? Well they mostly point to the one dreaded kidney disease.
Expatriates who are surgeons and surgeons abroad are now at the smiling end because we fly most of the kidney disease cases there for treatment helping the medical industry in such countries grow.
For this article, I would outline the types, causes and surely the preventive measures to be taken to help curb this monster and albatross, and ensure a healthy you.
Types Of Kidney Diseases
1. Acute Kidney Disease
This occurs primarily due to massive loss of body fluid due to accident, poisoning or Injury.
2. Chronic Kidney Disease
This is also known as chronic renal failure. It is the PROGRESSIVE loss of renal functions due to kidney damage over a period of time. It is defined by pathological abnormalities diagnosed via urine tests. There are five(5) stages with the most severe known as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). it is the most common type of kidney disease.
CAUSES OF KIDNEY DISEASE
In tackling and preventing the scourge of kidney disease, it is imperative to know the lifestyle habits that predisposes one to it. These are;
- STRESS
psychoemotional stress accompanied by renal changes and exposure to any form of stress, mainly Distress, would inturn allow for a release in stress hormones. These include release of norepinephrine, epinephrine and cortisol. Such release of hormones affect functions of the kidneys.
- USE OF ANALGESICS
Research has shown that those who take analgesics or pain killers over a protracted period are at a greater risk of developing kidney disease. This could induce analgesic neuropathy ( pathology of peripheral nerves due to intake of analgesics). So "all of una wey get slight gastrointestinal problem and una dey swallow paracetamol abeg watch am".
-LACK OF EXERCISE
Exercise goes a long way to prevent not just kidney disease but any other disease for that matter. Exercise would allow free flow of blood avoiding constriction, ensure the renal veins and arteries would get their share.
- HIGH SALT INTAKE
High salt intake causes Hypertension or High blood pressure which is a primary cause of kidney disease. So readers avoid eating junk foods or other meals with high Sodium Chloride content.
-USE OF BLEACHING PRODUCTS
Every one wants a radiant and glowing skin, models want to grace the runway with their blemish-free and toned-up skin. But do we know the consequences of long term usage of bleaching products?
Mercury, also called Hydragyrum is a toxic metal found in bleaching creams and could cause skin cancer. An ingredient Hydroquinone also found in toning cream may cause chronic neuropathy a precursor for kidney disease. Other ailments caused by excessive use of bleaching products include infertility,osteoporosis(bone density ) and may result in body odour.
-ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION
Excessive intake of alcohol increases the risk of High Blood pressure which in turn increases the risk of kidney disease. So guys "una wey love to shayo" do it gently if you don't want to have a hangover with a dialysis machine.
PREVENTION OF KIDNEY DISEASE
Prevention is much better than a cure, to prevent such occurrence of kidney troubles one has to avert the aforementioned causes.
-Avoid foods high in salt
-Exercise regularly
-Report any pain to your Nephrologist
-Reduce consumption of foods high in fats and oil.
-Stop or moderate alcohol consumption.
LAST TAKE:
Basically a good and positive approach to life would go a long way in emancipating one from the nexus connecting kidney disease with other diseases ranging from NCDs to communicable diseases. A recent study shows that one in ten people globally is affected by kidney disease with many unaware of the problem which puts them at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases as well as kidney failures. So it is advisable that you go for checkups regularly with your Nephrologist, nobody wants to be a victim of unexpected death caused by kidney failure. Go see your specialist, you would be glad you did, remember HEALTH is WEALTH.
AUTHOR: IWU IFEANYI, budding surgeon, entrepreneur, writer and member of TEAM MEDIGIST, student at the COLLEGE OF MEDICINE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, LUTH, Idi Araba, past student of the UNILAG Foundation / Diploma program, my friend and coursemate.
Other posts on Medigist by Iwu Ifeanyi: A SUCCESSFUL MEDICAL CAREER WITH THE RIGHT BUSINESS ACUMEN.
Related posts to this: Health tips
*AVOIDING BRAIN DAMAGE
***Check the Archive: All Medigist ===>
Coming soon posts related to this: Health tips
*MORNING DUTY: FIVE THINGS YOU MUST DO WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING TO LIVE HEALTHY.
*NATUTAL SOMETHING: HOW TO GET NATURAL SEXY BODY WITHOUT SURGERY OR DRUGS
*** Subscribe by email below, follow on Twitter and Google +, like our Facebook page, add us to your reading list, bookmark our address, check in always, so you won't miss these and other beneficial health tips!!! ***
Has this post been helpful? Comment below and share with your friends and family. You may just save a life out there.
Any questions? Drop a comment.
Remain healthy!!!
Medigist!
According to statistics, there are currently 36.8 million Nigerians (23 per cent of the total population) suffering from different forms of kidney disorder while an estimated 15,000 new patients are diagnosed every year. Source: Punchng.com
ReplyDeleteAnd the number is geometrically rising, no thanks to the 'times'. What can you do to stem this tide? By sharing this post and others like it, you're empowering people out there with knowledge that will save their lives.
Had a field day while editing and proofreading this post for publishing. I learned a lot, I made healthy resolutions and I laughed too. Ola wrote this, an educative, informative, life saving post and infused it with enough humor to make it interesting and engaging enough,way to go, bro, you're one outstanding writer doctor
ReplyDeleteThanks lami for this article. Great write up.keep it up
ReplyDeleteGood to have you around Leula 😍, I'll notify him of ur comment.
DeleteIGEA Brain & Spine is fueled by patient satisfaction and unrivaled integrity— two fundamental components that allow us to grant you world class neurosurgical care. We foster one on one relationships with you and your family to ensure a positive treatment and recovery experience. Our board certified neurosurgeons utilize leading-edge minimally invasive technology to effectively target and treat your cancer or diagnosed condition. Your health is in the most trusted hands in the nation. Your journey to health and well-being begins at IGEA.
ReplyDeletebrain surgery in New Jersey
What are the foods to avoid with kidney disease? Diet is always individualized. For patients suffering from the disease, it is necessary to follow the diet modification prescribed by the nutritionist-dietitian. Often, it includes restrictions on certain foods and limitations in fluid intake.Here is a general guideline of the foods that must be restricted in the presence of the illness.1. Limit your intake of sodium.2. Consume only fruits and vegetables low in potassium.3. Say no to meat substitutes.4. Pass up these dairy products.5. Stay away from most starch-based food items.6. Limit your consumption of protein-rich foods. to know more information visit foods avoid kidney disease
ReplyDelete