Nephrologists Harp On Early Detection Of Kidney Ailments

Two Consultant Nephrologists have said that said early detection through regular screening and treatment would reduce the risk of kidney diseases.

They told newsmen in separate interviews in Lagos that kidney diseases were becoming common in the country.

Dr Theophilus Umeizudike of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, said that the diseases were also becoming common among teenagers and underscored the need to screen teenagers.

“The reason for screening young people is because in our environment today, many teenagers have been diagnosed to have kidney disease.

“We look at the fact that children will become grown-ups, and catching them young to help them know about kidney problems will reduce their risk of getting it later in life.

“If we start screening early enough, changing lifestyles including diet and regular exercise, it will not put many people at risk.”

He urged people who were at risk of kidney disease including hypertensive and diabetic patients and people with sickle cell disorders to screen at least once in a year.

Also commenting, Dr Olugbenga Awobusuyi, told newsmen that a lot could be done to save lives if the disease was detected early.