for purposes of funds’ solicitation.
Nigerians
are now familiar with gaunt figures lying critically sick on the bed and
plugged to dialysis machine begging for donations from government and
kind-hearted members of public.
The
solicited funds usually run into millions of naira to cover the cost of
temporary dialysis in Nigeria and subsequent organ transplantation overseas.
The latest of such is the music producer, OJB Jezreel, who says he needs about
N16m to treat his kidney disease.
Physicians
say when it comes to size, the kidneys are small. However, as Kidney
Specialist, Dr. Mumeen Amisu opines, “The kidneys may be small, but they
perform many vital functions that help maintain your overall health, including
filtering waste and excess fluids from your blood.”
Kidneys
can be injured when an individual has an accident that results in blood loss,
physicians say.
Experts
also say that acute kidney injury can result from pregnancy complications, such
as seizures (eclampsia) and pre-eclampsia (characterised by high blood pressure
and significant amounts of protein in the urine).
Another
pregnancy complications that can lead to kidney injury is the HELLP Syndrome —
a life-threatening liver disorder characterised by destruction of red blood
cells (Hemolysis), Elevated Liver enzymes (indicating liver damage), and Low
Platelet count. Low platelet count reduces the ability of the blood to clot
whenever there’s an injury.
And
if you are a marathon runner or an athlete who don’t drink enough fluids while
competing in long-distance endurance events, you risk acute renal (kidney)
failure that may result from a sudden breakdown of muscle tissue. “This muscle
breakdown releases a chemical called myoglobin that can damage the kidneys,”
George says.
And
women need to hear this: Multiple urinary tract infections can also damage the
kidneys! Pregnant and menopausal women are very susceptible to UTI, physicians
warn. They advise that to prevent it, women should drink lots of water every
day, and urinate often instead of holding it. They are also advised to urinate
right after having sex.
Ummmh something new, thanks.
ReplyDeleteVery important. Oseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
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