Kidney health: Avoid excessive use of painkillers, expert urges Nigerians

By Hajara Usman

Mr Inuwa Mshelia, Chairman, National Association of Nephrology Nurses, Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Gombe Chapter, has urged Nigerians to avoid excessive consumption or use of painkillers as a way of improving their kidney health.

Mshelia who made the call during the commemoration of World Kidney Day on Thursday in Gombe said it was important for Nigerians to adopt preventive measures against kidney diseases.

He said that the World Kidney Day is observed every second Thursday of March to raise awareness about kidney health and the prevention of kidney-related diseases.

The expert said the sensitisation campaign was aimed to educate communities on the importance of early detection and proper management of kidney disease.

Mshelia said treatment for advanced kidney disease was capital-intensive, and many patients only seek medical help when the condition has already progressed to a severe stage.
“I urged members of the public to avoid excessive use of painkillers and to remain well hydrated by drinking adequate water; such lifestyle habits can help protect the kidneys.”
He added that individuals living with hypertension and diabetes are at higher risk and should regularly monitor their health.

Mshelia explained that kidney dialysis is very expensive, especially for patients who reached stage five of kidney failure, and many cannot afford the recommended dialysis sessions, which may be required up to three times a week.

He encouraged people to embrace preventive healthcare rather than waiting until the disease becomes severe.

The Nephrologist commended Usman Bello, the member representing Akko Federal Constituency, for sponsoring dialysis treatment for all patients throughout 2025.

He, however, appealed to wealthy individuals and philanthropists to support kidney patients who struggle to afford the cost of treatment.

Also speaking, Dr Alaya Rasheed, Senior Registrar in the Nephrology Department at FTH, said that over the past five years in Gombe, that kidney disease awareness campaigns are beginning to have a positive impact.

According to him, more patients are now seeking medical help earlier than before, which has improved their chances of managing the condition effectively.

Rasheed said that with proper treatment, health education and lifestyle changes, about 60 to 70 per cent of patients could slow the progression of kidney disease and may not quickly reach the stage where dialysis would be required.

“Many patients diagnosed early can remain stable for several years with proper medical care.

“However, kidney disease remains a growing concern in Nigeria.

“Current estimates indicate that between 10 and 19 per cent of Nigerians may have some form of kidney disease, meaning millions of people could be affected across the country,” Rasheed explained.

He stressed that kidney disease occurs in different stages and not all patients require dialysis or a kidney transplant, as many cases could be managed medically.

Rasheed highlighted the importance of early detection, prevention and improved access to healthcare services.

Some patients who spoke to our Correspondent in separate interviews said that paying about N75,000 for first session and subsequently N50,000 for dialysis has not been easy, more so when they required at least two to three sessions per week.

They called on well-meaning individuals to emulate Alhaji Usman Bello, who sponsored dialysis sessions throughout 2025.

Kidney health: Avoid excessive use of painkillers, expert urges Nigerians