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Untreated bladder infection poses danger to kidney – Doctor

Untreated bladder infection poses danger to kidney – Doctor
By Ummul Idris
Infection
Abuja, March 28, 2019 (NAN) Dr Innocent Ikpe, a General Physician at Maitama District Hospital, Abuja, has warned that acute bladder infection could lead to kidney infection if left untreated.
Ikpe while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja, described bladder infection as bacterial infection of the bladder, when bacteria get into the urethra.
“Bladder infections can be treated with antibiotics but if it repeatedly develops, that the case may be severe.
“Anyone with such severe case should not hesitate to see qualified medical doctor immediately for treatment.
“Treating bladder infection means suppressing the bacteria that are causing the pains in the bladder and such a person could live a healthy live,’’ said the physician.
Ikpe said that not urinating immediately and keeping the urine in the bladder for long is the most common cause of bladder infection.
He advised people to take water frequently, stressing that it will help in hydrating the body and flushing the system.
“When you drink more water it may help to wash out any bacteria that entered the bladder,’’ he said.
Ikpe said the symptoms of bladder infection includes pain when urinating, frequent need to urinate and discomfort in the lower abdomen.
Other symptoms, according to him, are smelly urine and bloody urine.
He also advised women not to keep urine in the bladder especially after sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of infection. (NAN)
UMD/OYE/MST
Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Kidney Diseases: Nephorologist advises Nigerians on regular checkup for early detection

 

Kidney

By Vivian Ihechu

Lagos, May 14, 2018 (NAN) Dr John Okoh, Founder/CEO, Renal Dialysis Centre, on Monday urged Nigerians to develop the habit of regular checkups for early detection of kidney and other related diseases.

Okoh made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

According to him, kidney or renal diseases can be devastating and fatal, but patients need to be encouraged to go through the treatment and management stages for optimal possible outcomes.

He said that many factors could give rise to kidney disease, including untreated microbial infections, especially urinary tract infections, and excessive intake of alcohol and herbal mixtures.

Okoh listed other possible causes as diarrhoea, malaria, hepatitis, diabetes, abuse of painkillers/ analgesics, particularly paracetamol, hypertension and potassium bromate poisoning.

He said that focused individualised care helps to improve the quality of kidney patients’ quality of life.

“It is estimated that at least three in 10 Nigerians aged over 18 suffer from one or another kidney-related condition; this is according to the Nigerian Association of Nephrology.

“The prevalence of end-stage renal disease in Nigeria is estimated at 290 per one million.

“For these patients, renal replacement therapies in the form of dialysis or kidney transplant are critical to improve the quality of their lives and prolong same.

“So, it becomes very critical to individualise a care pattern that is specific for a patient; this has been proven to improve outcomes,” Okoh said.

The doctor said  that patients’ wellbeing and care is at the heart of what is done at the Renal Dialysis Centre, where medical personnel individualise care plans based on the need of each patient.

“We are aware that the news of kidney disease and dialysis can be a devastating one for individuals and their families, as such, we make a commitment to each client and their families to stay with them through the journey.

“We ensure that patients and caregivers are educated on the disease and advised of the many options and resources that are available to help them.

“To ensure quality care and well-being for each client, attention is given to scheduling, dialyzer type, water quality, cost , nursing care and most importantly consultant clinical reviews,’’ he said.

Okoh said that the high cost of dialysis and kidney transplant was worrisome and the centre was trying to bridge the gap.

“Our mission is to provide accessible, affordable and quality dialysis service to people with kidney disease through individualised care.

“Our company is currently on a transformation process under the supervision/training of the Stanford seed programme by the prestigious Stanford University.

“The aim is to transform our business to meet world-class standards, using homegrown solutions in other to reach more people who are suffering from kidney disease,’’ he said. (NAN)

VIV/SOA

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Health

Renal Dialysis Centre to partner `Uber’, `Taxify’ to assist patients

Some members of the Medical Advisory Board with Management of the Renal Dialysis Centre, Ikeja, Lagos. May 2, 2018 (NAN)

Kidney
By Vivian Ihechu
Lagos, May 2, 2018 (NAN) The Renal Dialysis Centre (RDC), Opebi, Ikeja says it has commenced discussions with Uber and Taxify on how they can assist dialysis patients meet up their weekly sessions at their different clinics.
Dr John Okoh, Founder and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the centre disclosed this at the inaugural meeting of its Medical Advisory Board in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Prof. Babatunde Salako, Director-General, Nigeria Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Lagos is the board’s chairman.
Other members are: Prof. Rosamund Akuse; a notable nephrologist, Dr Adekoya Olayinka, Dr Amisu Mumuni, Mrs Olayinka Osuntogun and Dr Theophilus Umeizudike.
Okoh said: “Patients wellbeing and care is at the heart of what we do, we individualise care plans based on the need of each patient whom we refer to as our client.
“We are aware that the news of kidney disease and dialysis can be a devastating one for individuals and their families.
“As such, we make a commitment to each client and their families to stay with them through the journey.
“We ensure that our patients and caregivers are educated on the disease and counselled on the many options and resources that are available to help them.
“To ensure quality care and well-being for each client, attention is given to scheduling, dialyzer type, water quality, cost, nursing care and most importantly consultant clinical reviews,’’ he said.
Okoh said that discussions were in progress between the centre, Uber and Taxify on how they could help dialysis patients meet up with their weekly dialysis sessions.
He said they were looking for convenient options for dialysis patients while travelling to the clinic with Uber ride at a discounted rate.
“ This is part of the centre’s commitment to make life easier for dialysis patients’’.
The founder of the center also said that they were also partnering a reputable pharmacy to improve drug access for our clients at a subsidised price.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prof. Babatunde Salako, D-G NIMR, Lagos, Dr John Okoh, Founder/CEO, Renal Dialysis Centre,, Opebi, Lagos and Dr Modupe Okoh, Co-Founder, Renal Dialysis Centre. (NAN)

Okoh speaking on the need for an advisory board for the centre said, “The Renal Dialysis Centre needs an advisory board because we are on a “transformational journey.
“We have decided to inaugurate a `Medical Advisory Board’ whom we are sure will bring the much-needed perspective to the work we do as a dialysis service provider.
“We believe that their contributions will help sustain and improve the standard of care we offer to our current and prospective clients.’’Okoh also spoke on what the centre had to offer dialysis patients.
Okoh said: “Our mission is to provide accessible, affordable and quality dialysis service to people with kidney disease through individualised care to improve quality of life.
“Our company is currently on a transformation process under the supervision/training of the Stanford seed programme being run by the prestigious Stanford University.
“The aim is to transform our business to meet world-class standards, using homegrown solutions in other to reach more people who are suffering from kidney disease.
“We will be bringing to the world, the plight of kidney disease patients and the challenges they face in developing nations like Nigeria.
“Here in Nigeria, insurance system is still at the infancy stages and transplantation still with its own challenge of cost, donor, post-transplant care,’’ Okoh said.
In his remarks, Prof. Babatunde Salako, Chairman, RDC Medical Advisory Board, commended the centre for its focus.
“I am impressed at the conducive environment, cleanliness and high standard of care.
“There is need for you to remain focused, develop and stick to your business plan and endeavour to bring current trends to local standards,’’ he said.
Salako said that there was the need to continuously engage the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to sponsor enrollees and cater for more patients with renal diseases.(NAN)
VIV/ENN/PAD
============
Editing by Edwin Nwachukwu/Peter Dada

 

 

 

Health

Kdney diseases: Medics task Nigerians on check-up

Kdney diseases: Medics task Nigerians on check-up
By Kola Adeyemi
Kidney
Lokoja, March 14, 2018 ( NAN) Nigerians have been advised to go for periodic medical check-up to stem the rising cases of chronic kidney diseases.
The Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lokoja, Dr Olatunde Alabi, gave the task in Lokoja on Wednesday while speaking at the 2018 World Kidney Day, organised by the centre.
Alabi said that it had been established that one in every 10 people in the World suffers from the disease, saying that periodic medical check-up can help in stemming the tide.
He warned Nigerians against indiscriminate use of herbal medicines, saying that some herbal medicines can be harmful to the kidney.
“It is not all plants that are good for consumption; some are toxic and injurious to health.
“Whenever you notice any change in your body, kindly rush to a government approved hospital for test and treatment rather than buying concoctions they claimed can cure all diseases,” he counselled.
According to him, all kidney diseases are silent killers that affect the quality of life of the people.
“All preventive measures should be strictly adhered to in order to reduce the risk of developing the disease,” he said.
The theme of this year’s event is “Women and Kidney diseases’’.
The chief medical director disclosed that women are more susceptible to kidney diseases hence they are the target of this year’s celebration.

He called on husbands to show more interest in the health of their wives, especially during pregnancy.
In a paper presented to mark the day, Dr Grace Ogoke also urged Nigerians to adopt preventive measures and go for regular medical check-up to reduce the scourge of kidney diseases.
According to her, kidney diseases can manifest in humans at any age while treatment can be very expensive.
She called on Nigerians to maintain healthy life styles and avoid consumption of alcohol, junk foods and observe physical exercise regularly to reduce the risk of having the disease.
Ogoke, a consultant obstetric and gynaecologist, said that the theme of this year’s celebration was apt considering the fact that women are more prone to have kidney diseases.
She appealed that all hands must be on the deck to check the menace of kidney diseases.
The Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Dr Mack Femi, had earlier said the focus of this year’s celebration was to create awareness among the people on the need to take preventive measures against the disease.
He warned those already afflicted with the disease to stop taking herbal medicines so as not to hasten their death. (NAN)
KKA/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Experts advocate Health Trust Fund for kidney, other diseases

Experts advocate Health Trust Fund for kidney, other diseases
NAN-H-5
Kidney
By Yetunde Fatungase
Abeokuta, March 9, 2018 (NAN) Medical experts have appealed to the Federal Government to establish a Health Trust Fund for the treatment of life threatening diseases especially Kidney related in the country.
Mr Adebayo Sokunbi, the Operations Director of the Kidney Clinics and Dialysis Centre, Abeokuta, made the appeal on Thursday while speaking with newsmen after a walk to mark the 2018 World Kidney Day.
Sokunbi lamented that the cost of treatment of kidney diseases have become unbearable for average Nigerians, adding that lots of Nigerians have lost their lives to the disease.
He disclosed that about 150,000 cases were reported every year, urging the government to address the situation.
He added that most Nigerians die as a result of negligence to their health status as well as financial incapability.
“Unfortunately, we are still in an environment where people have to pay out of pocket for renal replacement therapy and that is largely unaffordable by most of Nigerians.
“Even for the rich, the cost to maintain the renal replacement is quite overwhelming, so you can imagine what it’s like for the ordinary Nigerians.
“There are lots of people who decide to die and they are the people that are not ready to have any treatment.
“This is the reason we are having the world kidney day activities, we want to use this opportunity to call to action the health authorities in Nigeria and federal government to create an health trust fund for people with kidney diseases.
He raised alarm over the increase in rate of people with kidney diseases, saying government must take measures to address the situation.
“Don’t wait till you have a major health crisis before you come and check your health status and that’s one of the reasons of coming out today,” he said.
Sokunbi also appealed to the government to ensure that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) covers all ailments.
Dr Adesola Raji, Senior Registrar, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, decried the financial burden being faced by sufferers of chronic kidney disease.
He noted that the disease often attack and affects people in their economically viable years.
“In the United States, $28 billion was spent in 2010 alone to cater for kidney disease sufferers and two per cent of Europe’s budget goes into dialysis,” he said.
However, Raji said in Nigeria “we can only educate and sensitise people of the risk factors because the way out is taking preventive measures”.
He added that chronic kidney disease is a pandemic with its incidence, prevalence, thereby, asking government at all levels to rise up to the challenge and do the needful.
Raji advised people to take their health seriously, saying a lot of chronic Kidney disease could have been treated when still at the early stage.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 100 persons enjoyed the free kidney screening at the event. (NAN)
YAF/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Expert raises alarm on increased kidney disease in Nigerian women

Expert alerts on increased kidney disease in Nigerian women
NAN-HG-1
Kidney
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan, March 7, 2018 (NAN) Dr Yemi Raji, a consultant Nephrologist, University College Hospital, Ibadan (UCHI), says untreated medical condition peculiar to women is the leading cause of increased Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in Nigeria.
Raji disclosed this in an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Wednesday while speaking on the theme of the 2018 World Kidney Day, which is observed every second Thursday in the month of March.
He noted that the prevalence of kidney disease in Nigeria is about 20 to 30 per cent of the country’s population; saying most people has one form of kidney disease or the other.
According to him, it accounts for 10 per cent of all medical admission in most of our teaching hospitals; sadly most people are not aware they have kidney disease because it is still in the early stage.
NAN reports that the theme for the 2018 World Kidney Day is “Kidney and Women’s health: value, and empower’’, with the aim of sensitising the public on the need to enhance women’s kidney health.
Raji stressed that women were at a disadvantage in the family and the society at large when it comes to accessing quality healthcare on kidney health as opposed to their male counterpart.
“In most parts of the world, particularly in the developing world, women are at disadvantage in terms of how you diagnose kidney disease early, how you prevent it and how you treat it.
“So at every level there is disadvantage for kidney disease diagnosis, detection and prevention among women; that’s why this year is focusing on how that trend can change.
“And looking at women and also considering the fact that there are some conditions that are peculiar to women that could lead to kidney disease and how we can sensitise the whole world both women and men about those conditions that are related to women that can lead to kidney disease.”
The nephrologist however identified cancer of the womb (endometrial cancer and cervical cancer) as the causes of chronic kidney disease in women, adding that there are other non-cancer related causes like fibroid.
He further said chronic kidney disease cuts across men, women, children and adults; with causes such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Auto Immune Disease, which is mostly common among women.
Raji further explained that “cancer is linked to kidney disease because when people have cancer there is a swelling in their tummy which compresses on the pipe that brings water from the kidney to be passed out, this causes an obstruction thereby transmitting pressure on the kidney and that destroys the kidney.
“Other problems which are not cancer related happen when there is a swelling which compresses on the pipe that takes urine away from the kidney to the outside, this obstruct the free flow of urine which destroys the kidney.
“Any obstruction that blocks the pipe that takes urine out will always lead to kidney disease, this is called obstructive neuropathy,” he said.
The nephrologist however said one out of every four Nigerian has hypertension, while more than 50 per cent of them are not aware they do and so it continues to damage the organs of the body, including kidney, heart and eyes.
“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; a lot of pain killers, all sorts of herbal concoction and herbal medication that people take also contribute to kidney disease.
“Then we have some rare diseases, the one called Auto Immune Disease where the individual starts destroying its own organ and tissue; its own kidney just on its own without anything, the body just starts fighting and destroying itself,” he said.
Raji urged Nigerians to do regular screening by checking their blood pressure, blood sugar level, urine and do regular exercise as well as reduce salt intake and eat healthy food as means of preventing kidney disease.
“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,” he said. (NAN)
IBK/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Paediatrician warns against use of herbal mixtures

Paediatrician warns against use of herbal mixtures
NAN-HG-5
Treatment
By Ugonne Uzoma
Owerri, Aug. 29, 2017 (NAN) A Paediatrician, Dr Kevin Okafor, has warned against the use of herbal mixtures for treating children.
Okafor gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Owerri on Tuesday.
He warned herbal concoctions could lead to kidney failure in children.
He said that the use of the mixture could also worsen the symptoms of conditions for which it was being used, often resulting in Steven Johnson syndrome.
Okafor noted that parents were fond of using herbal mixtures for the treatment of conditions such as measles, foot and mouth diseases including chicken pox in children, without realising its risks.
“Parents are often misinformed by persons who claim to be experienced in such matters, often insisting on using this mixture for treating measles and chicken pox.
“The myth is that the rashes have to `come out’ fully; and this can only be achieved with the use of herbal mixtures.
“It is a risky practice and we advise parents against it to avoid kidney failure and Steven Johnson syndrome,” he said.
The medical practitioner also warned against self-medication especially when it concerned children, noting that the effects are often fatal in children.
“We warn parents on the dangers of giving drugs to their children without the recommendation of their paediatrician.
“Even if your child presents with a symptom that is similar to a past illness, don’t be quick to give the same drugs you were given previously without consulting a paediatrician.
“The effects of self-medication are worse in children, even fatal sometimes,” he said. (NAN)
UOI/FLP/MST
Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Alleged kidney theft: FMC Keffi wants independent investigation

Alleged kidney theft: FMC Keffi wants independent investigation

NAN-HG-3

Kidney

By Awayi Kuje

Keffi (Nasarawa State), Jan. 29, 2016 (NAN) The Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi, Nasarawa State, has called for an independent professional investigation to unravel the truth behind allegation of stolen kidney at the hospital.

The Medical Director of the centre, Dr Giyan Joshua-Ndom, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Keffi.

Joshua-Ndom said the proposed inquiry would ascertain the truth behind an allegation by a patient that his kidney was removed at the centre by a consultant.

“It is better for an independent professional qualified arbiter to look in to the matter of alleged kidney removal so that the patient can properly be educated since, as it is now, he has lost confidence in the centre,’’ he said.

NAN recalls that there is ongoing report on the social media and some radio stations that one Mohammed Barau alleging that one of his kidneys was removed during an operation in FMC, Keffi.

“One of the ridiculous allegations by a former patient is that one of his kidneys was removed by a doctor in my centre during his abdomen operation.

“I therefore do not speak in defence of any one, but as the accounting officer of the centre.

“Having investigated the issue thoroughly, I am in a position to give you adequate information that guided us aright that the said patient came here in 2010, critically ill and the doctors battled to save his life.

“They removed pussy tumour on the left side of his abdomen that was suspected to be cancer but tests failed to confirm that. He was nursed and discharged about a month.

“He returned six years later for treatment of another ailment, at which time his left kidney was discovered to be missing as adequate analysis and information at this stage was the needful as one of the kidney drivers of patient satisfaction which he did not get.

“Without proper education, he jumped in to the conclusion that his kidney has been stolen. Histopathology report would have helped identify what was removed but the report showed that it was rotten beyond reasonable analysis,” he said.

According to him, “the patient also claimed that an unknown number called offering him N10 million to drop the matter, this beats logic and common sense.

“In contentious cases like this, it would be better for an independent professionally qualified arbiter to look in to the matter so that the patient can properly be educated since, as it is now he has lost confidence in us”.

Joshua-Ndom urged journalists and members of the public to always confirm information, especially about the centre with the management, before reporting in the interest of peace and national development.

The medical director restated the commitment of the management of the centre to continue to key in to policies and programmes that have direct bearing on patients and the lives of the staff. (NAN)

AKW/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola