A medical practitioner, Dr Jonah Agwu, has raised the alarm over the increasing prevalence of kidney disease, attributing it to dehydration and abuse of painkillers.
Agwu spoke during an event organised by the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), Saratoga X Deck, Festac, Lagos, on Wednesday to mark this year’s World Health Day.
The event, held at the Holy Family Health Centre, Festac, Lagos, was attended by pregnant women and other members of the public.
Speaking, the medical practitioner said kidney diseases were also on the rise due to uncontrolled hypertension, unmanaged diabetes, and the unchecked use of herbal mixtures, popularly known as agbo.
Agwu said, “I have encountered about 10 to 15 cases of kidney diseases in one week. That means there is an increased prevalence of kidney diseases. The predominant causes are uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled diabetes, abuse of diclofenac or ibuprofen, frequent use of agbo, and dehydration. Agbo contains ibuprofen. With these, you poison your kidneys.
“We need at least 2.5 litres to 3 litres of water daily, but not many people take up to one litre. Over time, dehydration can tilt someone to acute renal failure, and it is irreversible.”
Asked about the success rate of dialysis, Agwu said it was a “50-50 probability.”
“Dialysis is done at end-stage renal failure, when the kidneys have failed, and we are trying to use a machine to perform the function of the kidneys.
“At the dialysis stage, if done well, it is good; if not done well, it becomes a problem. There are people sent for dialysis whose condition has worsened. Dialysis is a two-way process. It may give you what you want, and it may make things worse. It is a machine taking care of what the kidney should do,” he said.
Speaking further, Agwu cautioned against consuming dongoyaro and zobo to manage diabetes, noting that they are not scientifically or clinically proven to lower blood sugar.
He stressed the need for adherence to science-based health practices rather than hearsay or myths.
Addressing the pregnant women, Agwu urged them to take routine antenatal check-ups seriously and abstain from alcohol.
He also cautioned against misconceptions about Caesarean Section, noting that both CS and vaginal delivery are medically acceptable methods of childbirth.
Agwu described as myths claims that ampicillin cures jaundice in children and that palm wine enhances lactation in nursing mothers.
In his remarks, the Leader of Saratoga X Deck, Emeka Achonu, said the sensitisation was aimed at debunking myths about childbirth and childcare, while encouraging pregnant women and nursing mothers to embrace science- and data-driven health practices.
Achonu also emphasised the importance of immunisation and urged women to accept Caesarean Section as a normal method of delivery when medically advised.
He said, “We targeted pregnant women and children, who are among the most vulnerable groups.
“There are several myths about childbirth and childcare that we need to debunk and let them know that science-based, data-driven health practices are what they should follow, not hearsay.
“There are dangers of over-information due to social media. People, even the unqualified, post all sorts of health advice. So, we believe they should hear from doctors with the expertise and stick to science-based practices.
“They should not take immunisation for granted. It is very important for children. Some parents feel they can administer agbo to their children, but they have been advised to ensure proper immunisation as and when due.
“Also, there is the notion that pregnant women should give birth like Hebrew women and avoid Caesarean Section. But if they are given medical advice to undergo CS, they should heed it rather than follow pressure from pastors, mothers, or in-laws insisting on vaginal delivery. They should listen to medical practitioners. If CS is the right option, they should go for it as long as it safeguards their lives and that of their children.”
World Health Day is observed every year on April 7 to draw attention to key health issues affecting people worldwide.
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