NEPHROLOGIST IDENTIFIES CAUSES OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AMONG NIGERIAN WOMEN

NEPHROLOGIST IDENTIFIES CAUSES OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AMONG NIGERIAN WOMEN
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Raji, who works at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria while speaking on the theme of the 2018 World Kidney Day – “Kidney and Women’s Health’’.

Dr Yemi Raji, a consultant Nephrologist, says untreated gender-based medical conditions are the leading causes of increased Chronic Kidney Disease in Nigerian women.
Raji, who works at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria while speaking on the theme of the 2018 World Kidney Day – “Kidney and Women’s Health’’.
He said that between 20 per cent and 30 per cent of the country’s population was affected by various forms of kidney disease.
He said: “In most parts of the world, particularly in the developing world, women are at a disadvantage in terms of diagnosing kidney disease early, how to prevent it and how to treat it.
“So at every level women are at a disadvantage where kidney disease diagnosis, detection and prevention is concerned. That’s why this year we are focusing on how that trend can be changed.
“We are looking at how we can sensitise both men and women to those conditions that can cause kidney diseases considering the fact that there are some conditions that are peculiar to women that could lead to kidney disease.”
Raji said that kidney disease accounts for 10 per cent of all hospital admissions in the country.
According to him, it is unfortunate that most kidney disease sufferers are not aware that they have the ailments especially when they are at the early stage.
The nephrologist added that women were always at a disadvantage when it came to accessing quality healthcare as opposed to their male counterparts.
He identified cancer of the womb and cervical cancer as the causes of chronic kidney disease in women, with fibroid being one of non-cancer related causes.
He said: “Cancer is linked to kidney disease because when people have cancer there is a swelling in their tummy which compresses the pipe that brings water from the kidney to be passed out.
“This causes an obstruction thereby transmitting pressure onto the kidney and then destroys the kidney eventually.
“Other problems which are not cancer related happen when there is a swelling which compresses the pipe that takes urine away from the kidney to the outside.
“This obstructs the free flow of urine thereby destroying the kidney.
“Any obstruction that blocks the pipe that takes urine out will always lead to kidney disease and this is called Obstructive Neuropathy.”
The nephrologist further said that 1 out of every 4 Nigerians had hypertension.
He stated that more than 50 per cent of the persons with hypertension are not always aware they have the condition and so it continues to damage such organs of the body as the kidneys, heart, and eyes among others.
He said: “Then recently we found out that HIV is also a common cause of kidney disease among the populace.
“In addition, there are drugs people use – pain killers, all sorts of herbal concoctions, and herbal medications – that contribute to kidney disease.
“Then we have some rare diseases, the one called Auto Immune Disease where the individual’s body starts destroying its own organs, tissues, and kidney.”
Raji, therefore, advised Nigerians to always go for regular medical checks on their blood pressure, blood sugar level, and urine.
He further urged them to embark on regular exercise, reduce salt intake and eat healthy food as a means of preventing kidney diseases.
He said: “When you notice any abnormal sign, see the doctor rather than do self-medication.
“Every effort should be made to prevent kidney disease as the cost of treating it is enormous.”