Kidney Failure: Experts Warn Nigerians to Drink Water, Exercise, Rest

Kidney Failure: Experts Warn Nigerians to Drink Water, Exercise, Rest

At 42, Chinedu never imagined that frequent soft drink consumption, lack of sleep, and untreated high blood pressure could threaten his life. By the time symptoms appeared, his kidneys were already failing, and the cost of treatment—running into nearly ₦1 million monthly for dialysis—was far beyond his reach.

Chinedu’s story reflects a growing health crisis in Nigeria, where dozens of patients arrive at hospitals daily unaware they are battling Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Experts warn that the disease often progresses silently, with symptoms only appearing at advanced stages when treatment becomes difficult, expensive, and emotionally draining.

According to Dr. Nmadu Danladi, Consultant Nephrologist at the Federal Medical Centre Ebute Metta, kidneys are “silent workers” that many people ignore until it is too late. He explained that unlike other organs, kidney problems rarely show early warning signs, which is why late presentation is common.

He described kidney failure as devastating on multiple levels—physically, emotionally, and financially—not just for patients but also for their families, who often bear the cost of long-term care.

Medical experts attribute the rising burden of kidney disease to lifestyle-related conditions such as Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus, both of which are leading causes of kidney damage globally. Poor dietary habits, including excessive salt intake, high consumption of processed foods, and sugary drinks, are also major contributors.

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To reduce the risk, nephrologists recommend five key lifestyle measures: drink plenty of water, get adequate rest, exercise regularly, reduce salt and red meat intake, and undergo routine medical check-ups. These simple habits, they say, can significantly lower the chances of developing kidney disease.

Hydration, in particular, plays a critical role in maintaining kidney function. Experts advise that men should consume about 2.7 litres of water daily and women about 2.5 litres, with higher intake recommended in hot weather conditions common across Nigeria—sometimes up to 3.5–4 litres daily.

They stress that early detection remains the most effective way to prevent irreversible damage. Kidney disease can often be managed in its early stages through medication and lifestyle adjustments, preventing progression to full kidney failure.

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently warned about the rising prevalence of kidney disease, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to treatment is limited and expensive.

In Nigeria, the cost of managing kidney failure remains a major challenge. Dialysis sessions typically cost between ₦40,000 and ₦50,000 per session, with patients requiring multiple sessions weekly to survive. This places treatment far beyond the reach of many households.

However, government interventions are beginning to offer some relief. At the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta, dialysis has been subsidised to about ₦12,000 per session, significantly reducing the burden on patients.

Despite this, demand continues to rise. The hospital now conducts between 300 and 350 dialysis sessions monthly, averaging 20 to 25 sessions daily, while recording two to three new emergency kidney failure cases every day—a trend experts describe as alarming.

Health professionals also warn against the abuse of over-the-counter painkillers, which can damage the kidneys when used excessively, as well as untreated infections and herbal remedies of unknown composition.

They emphasise that World Kidney Day, observed every second Thursday in March, serves as a reminder of the importance of kidney health and early screening.

Ultimately, experts agree that prevention is far more affordable and effective than treatment. With kidney disease often progressing unnoticed, Nigerians are urged to prioritise their health through proper hydration, healthy living, and regular medical checks.

They warn that without urgent lifestyle changes and increased awareness, the burden of kidney disease will continue to rise—placing more families at risk of devastating financial and emotional strain.

Kidney Failure: Experts Warn Nigerians to Drink Water, Exercise, Rest