Kidney diseases are increasing across the globe. Here in Ghana, it is estimated that some 12,000 people are diagnosed with kidney-related conditions every year; a worrying trend that requires extensive education.
However, many may take for granted how the absence or failure of a kidney can affect you for the rest of your life.
In most cases, kidney failure is caused by other health problems that do permanent damage to your kidneys over time.
According to medical practitioner, Kwesi Antwi Koranteng, severe dehydration can lead to kidney damage. He disclosed this in an exclusive public health awareness interview with, Nana Kodadu Okontie, host of Plan-B FM’s weekend health programme dubbed ‘Plan-B FM Apomuden Fie’.
“So it is important to drink when you work or exercise very hard, and especially in warm and humid weather. Some studies have shown that frequent dehydration, even if its mild, may lead to permanent kidney damage. We need to take in more water to remove wastes from the blood in the form of urine” He said.
He also attributed kidney disease prevalence to self-medication among individuals.
“Your kidneys could be damaged if you take large amounts of over-the-counter medications, such as pain killers. These medicines should be taken daily or regularly without first talking to your healthcare provider. A lot of people have damaged their kidneys by using these medicines regularly for too long”
“Your kidneys can lose up to 90 percent of their function and still do their job pretty well. Losing more than that is considered kidney failure. There are two types of kidney failure; Acute kidney failure and chronic Kidney failure. Acute kidney failure is a sudden loss of kidney function. It is usually reversible. Chronic kidney failure is a gradual loss of kidney function. It gets worse over time and isn’t reversible but you can slow its progression”
“Usually there are no symptoms in early stages of kidney failure. When they do occur, symptoms may include; decrease urine output”
“When kidneys fail, waste and extra fluid builds up in your body. This causes the symptoms of kidney failure,” he explained
Dr. Kwesi Koranteng also said persons with uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension are aslo at risk of kidney disease and the importance of kidney disease to the body cannot be downplayed.
“Premature birth increases the risk for chronic kidney disease later in life. People born prematurely need long-term monitoring, and must be particularly careful to try to avoid hypertension, diabetes and the heavy use of anti-inflammatory medicines, which are all risk factors for kidney disease”, mentioned.
He also warned against the use of bleaching creams, which can have dire effects on the skin and also the kidney.
“Skin-lightening or whitening agents have the potential of causing adverse health effects, including skin diseases, high blood pressure and kidney disease. Consistent usage of bleaching products over a long period could make the kidney to fail, it could aslo cause diabetes” he concluded.
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