Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a silent but growing health challenge in Nigeria. It occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter blood effectively, leading to a buildup of waste and fluid in the body. While many Nigerians are familiar with conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, fewer people understand how these diseases directly increase the risk of kidney failure.
TJ News Nigeria reports that recent public health studies have shown a rise in kidney-related illnesses, with late diagnosis and limited treatment options contributing to high mortality rates. In many cases, individuals only realize they have the disease when it has reached an advanced stage.
This article explores the causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, and available treatment options for chronic kidney disease in Nigeria, while also highlighting the challenges patients face in accessing care.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic Kidney Disease is a long-term medical condition in which the kidneys gradually lose function over months or years. Unlike acute kidney injury, which occurs suddenly, CKD develops slowly and often goes unnoticed in its early stages.
The kidneys perform vital roles including:
- Filtering waste products from the blood.
- Regulating blood pressure.
- Balancing electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and calcium.
- Producing hormones that control red blood cell production.
When the kidneys are damaged, these functions decline, leading to serious complications.
Common Causes of CKD in Nigeria
Several factors contribute to chronic kidney disease among Nigerians:
1. Hypertension
High blood pressure is the leading cause of kidney damage. Persistent elevated pressure damages small blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter blood effectively.
2. Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is another major driver of CKD. High blood sugar damages kidney structures over time, leading to diabetic nephropathy.
3. Glomerulonephritis
This refers to inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units, often triggered by infections or autoimmune conditions.
4. Excessive Use of Herbal and Over-the-Counter Medications
Unregulated consumption of herbal mixtures, painkillers, and antibiotics can damage kidney tissues. In Nigeria, many people rely on self-medication without knowing the risks.
5. Genetic and Congenital Disorders
Conditions such as polycystic kidney disease, though less common, also contribute to CKD in Nigerian patients.
6. Infections and Environmental Factors
Repeated urinary tract infections, poor sanitation, and environmental toxins also increase the risk of kidney damage.
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Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease
One of the major challenges of CKD is its “silent” nature. Symptoms may not appear until the disease is advanced. Common warning signs include:
- Persistent fatigue and weakness.
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.
- Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
- Difficulty sleeping and poor concentration.
- Reduced urine output or foamy urine.
- Persistent itching.
- Shortness of breath due to fluid buildup in the lungs.
Nigerians experiencing these symptoms are advised to seek medical evaluation early, as early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes.
Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD is classified into five stages based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which measures kidney function:
- Stage 1: Normal function but kidney damage is present.
- Stage 2: Mild decline in function.
- Stage 3: Moderate decline; symptoms may begin.
- Stage 4: Severe decline; preparation for dialysis or transplant may start.
- Stage 5 (End-Stage Renal Disease): Kidneys fail completely, requiring dialysis or transplant.
In Nigeria, many patients are diagnosed only when they have reached stage 4 or 5, limiting treatment choices.
Prevention of Chronic Kidney Disease
Since kidney disease often develops from preventable conditions, adopting healthy lifestyle choices can reduce risk. Key prevention strategies include:
- Regular health check-ups: Blood pressure, blood sugar, and kidney function tests.
- Managing hypertension and diabetes: Adhering to prescribed treatments and lifestyle modifications.
- Balanced nutrition: Reducing salt intake, eating more fruits and vegetables, and limiting processed foods.
- Staying hydrated: Drinking clean water and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption.
- Avoiding self-medication: Reducing reliance on unregulated herbal mixtures and over-the-counter drugs.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity is linked to both hypertension and diabetes.
- Regular exercise: At least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.
Treatment Options in Nigeria
1. Medications
Drugs to control blood pressure, blood sugar, and reduce protein in urine can slow disease progression.
2. Dialysis
Dialysis is the artificial removal of waste and excess fluid from the blood. In Nigeria, dialysis remains expensive, with many patients unable to afford the recommended three sessions per week.
3. Kidney Transplant
A transplant offers a more permanent solution for end-stage renal disease. However, donor availability, high costs, and limited transplant centers make it inaccessible for many Nigerians.
4. Supportive Care
For patients who cannot afford advanced treatment, doctors often recommend supportive care to improve quality of life and manage complications.
Challenges in Nigeria
- Late diagnosis: Many people do not seek medical attention until symptoms are severe.
- High treatment costs: Dialysis and transplants remain beyond the reach of most patients.
- Limited facilities: Only a handful of hospitals in Nigeria offer advanced kidney care.
- Awareness gap: Low knowledge of kidney health contributes to poor prevention practices.
Public Health Recommendations
Experts emphasize the need for stronger awareness campaigns, more affordable dialysis centers, and policies to include kidney care in the National Health Insurance Scheme. Screening programs for high-risk groups—such as hypertensive and diabetic patients—could help reduce the growing burden of CKD in Nigeria.
Also Read
- High Blood Pressure and Its Silent Dangers
- Diabetes in Nigeria: What You Should Know
- Nutrition and Healthy Eating Habits for Nigerians
