A medical practitioner, Dr. Jonah Agwu, has raised concerns over what he described as a disturbing rise in kidney disease cases, linking the trend to widespread dehydration and the abuse of common painkillers among Nigerians.
Dr. Agwu disclosed this during a health awareness event organised by the National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity), Saratoga X Deck, to mark this year’s World Health Day in Festac Town, Lagos.
According to him, the spike in kidney-related ailments is becoming increasingly evident in clinical settings, with alarming case frequencies recorded weekly.
“I have encountered about 10 to 15 cases of kidney diseases in one week. That means there is an increased prevalence,” Agwu said.
He identified the major drivers of the condition to include uncontrolled hypertension, unmanaged diabetes, excessive consumption of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac and ibuprofen, frequent intake of herbal mixtures known locally as “agbo,” and chronic dehydration.
Dr. Agwu warned that many of these herbal concoctions contain harmful substances, including traces of pharmaceutical compounds, which may further damage the kidneys.
“With these, you poison your kidneys,” he stated.
The physician also highlighted poor hydration habits among Nigerians, noting that many people fail to meet the recommended daily water intake.
“We need at least 2.5 to 3 litres of water daily, but not many people take up to one litre. Over time, dehydration can lead to acute renal failure, and it is irreversible,” he warned.
Speaking on treatment outcomes, Agwu described dialysis as a last-resort intervention with uncertain results.
“Dialysis is done at end-stage renal failure when the kidneys have failed. It is a machine performing the kidney’s function. The success rate is about 50-50, it may help, or it may worsen the condition,” he explained.
He further cautioned against the reliance on unverified remedies for managing chronic illnesses, particularly diabetes, dismissing claims that substances like dongoyaro and zobo can effectively regulate blood sugar levels.
The doctor urged Nigerians to adopt evidence-based medical practices and avoid misinformation, especially from unqualified sources on social media.
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Addressing pregnant women at the event, he stressed the importance of regular antenatal care and warned against alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
He also debunked common misconceptions surrounding Caesarean Section, insisting that both surgical and vaginal deliveries are medically valid depending on clinical indications.
In his remarks, the leader of Saratoga X Deck, Emeka Achonu, said the outreach was designed to correct widespread myths about childbirth and childcare while promoting scientifically grounded health practices.
He emphasised the dangers of misinformation, particularly in the digital age, where unverified health advice circulates freely.
“There are several myths about childbirth and childcare. People should rely on doctors and proven medical knowledge, not hearsay,” Achonu said.
He also urged parents to prioritise immunisation for children and warned against substituting medical care with herbal remedies.
