Dr. Naa Adzoa Adzeley Boi-Dsane, a medical doctor and researcher, emphasizes the importance of routine blood sugar and blood pressure checks, highlighting a concerning rise in kidney diseases among younger populations. Speaking on TV3 New Day, she noted that many people are unaware of their high blood pressure and sugar levels, which can significantly harm kidney function.

In Ghana, undiagnosed high blood pressure and blood sugar levels are prevalent, posing serious risks to kidney health. Elevated blood pressure can damage kidney cells, leading to a gradual decline in kidney function.

Discussing kidney disease in children, Dr. Boi-Dsane mentioned genetic factors as possible contributors. She stressed that early-stage kidney function decline often goes unnoticed, making regular screenings crucial.

She advocated for healthy dietary habits to lower the risk of kidney disease. “Plant-based diets can help prevent kidney diseases. Excessive salt intake contributes to high blood pressure. It's crucial to reduce stress, minimize alcohol consumption, exercise regularly, and limit the use of herbal remedies, as their impact on kidney health isn't widely known. Overuse of painkillers like paracetamol and aspirin can also lead to kidney disease,” she explained.

Dr. Boi-Dsane also discussed how high blood pressure can harm kidney function, potentially leading to kidney disease. “When you have high blood pressure or hypertension, it can affect the kidneys. Extreme pressures can cause certain kidney cells to die, resulting in kidney disease,” she noted.

Baffour Kojo Ahenkorah, President of the Renal Patients Association in Ghana, shared his personal experience with kidney disease, describing the significant lifestyle restrictions it entails. “Individuals with kidney disease face significant restrictions, including limited fluid intake and a strict diet regimen. You are supposed to consume only 500 ml of water a day, and when you need to drink fluids or tea, you have to spread it out throughout the entire day. You cannot imagine living the whole day with just a sachet of water,” Mr. Ahenkorah explained.

According to the World Health Organization, chronic kidney disease involves a gradual decline in kidney function, leading to waste and excess fluid accumulation in the body. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and swelling. Risk factors include diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, smoking, and obesity. While some kidney diseases are treatable, chronic kidney disease has no cure, with treatment focusing on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression.

Source by www.ghanaweb.com