Written By: Adeyemi Lahanmi.
Kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a condition in which the kidneys gradually lose function, leading to waste buildup in the blood. Several factors contribute to the increasing prevalence of kidney disease among young people in Nigeria, including
– Diabetes
– Obesity
– Albuminuria
– Ageing
– Female sex
– Sedentary lifestyle
– Unhealthy diet
The rise of kidney disease in younger Nigerians may also be attributed to alcohol consumption, poor healthcare services and late detection.
Here are some things you should know about kidney disease.
Signs and symptoms:
The signs and symptoms of kidney disease include foamy urine, fatigue, swelling, frequent urination at night, itchy skin, bone or joint pain, and shortness of breath.
Causes:
Kidney disease can be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney infection, inflammation of the kidneys, inherited disorders, blockages in the flow of urine, and long-term use of certain medications.
Diagnoses
Kidney disease can be diagnosed with blood and urine tests.
Treatment:
The treatment for kidney disease depends on the severity of the condition and includes lifestyle strategies, diet changes, supplements, medications to manage associated conditions, dialysis, and kidney transplant.
Prevention:
To prevent kidney disease, it is important to maintain a balanced diet, avoid or limit foods with added sugars, limit daily sodium consumption and alcohol intake, stay hydrated, and manage underlying health conditions.
