Medical Expert Issues Warning Against Smoking and Herbal Drinks on World Kidney Day

Dr. Unyime Ndor, a medical expert from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in Akwa Ibom State, has issued a warning against the overconsumption of beer, hot beverages, and herbal concoctions.

Additionally, he advised against persistent smoking of cigarettes, hard drugs, and other substances. 

The medical professional equally cautioned individuals identified as ‘passive smokers’ against maintaining close proximity to active smokers, emphasizing the risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure.

Ndor, speaking as a guest on a vernacular program aired on Tangsio Radio, emphasized the risks associated with cigarette smoking, highlighting that even non-smokers are susceptible to various ailments due to the effects of secondhand smoke. 

He underscored the importance of protecting vital organs like the liver and kidneys by avoiding certain foods, beverages, and environmental exposures that could compromise their health.

World Kidney Day serves as a global health awareness initiative aimed at emphasizing the significance of kidney health and advocating for measures to reduce the prevalence and impact of kidney disease and its related health complications on a global scale. 

This campaign seeks to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining kidney health and implementing preventive measures to safeguard against kidney-related illnesses, thereby promoting overall well-being and quality of life worldwide.

Disclosing ways to avoid kidney diseases, he advised: “I want to strongly discourage addiction to drinking beers, hot drinks as well as herbal mixtures.

“These have strong and dangerous effects on the kidneys.

“I also encourage diabetics to regularly visit their doctors. This is because causes of diabetes, including sugar, graduate to impact the kidney.

“Don’t go to patent medicine dealers to mix drugs for you as these impact the kidney, too. Rather make it a habit to get prescriptions from medical doctors for you to buy the right drugs from Pharmacists.”

Understanding the pivotal role of the kidney in the human body, it serves as a crucial organ responsible for filtering out unwanted materials from the bloodstream, maintaining fluid balance, and regulating electrolyte levels. Its intricate functions are vital for overall health and well-being. 

However, the onset of kidney disease can pose significant challenges, as it often progresses silently and without noticeable symptoms until it reaches advanced stages. One of the telltale signs of kidney disease is persistently foamy urine, indicating potential issues with protein filtration and renal function.

Despite the importance of kidney health, treating kidney disease, especially in advanced stages, can be financially burdensome due to the high cost of dialysis machines and ongoing medical care. Dialysis serves as a life-sustaining treatment for individuals with impaired kidney function, yet it is often a lifelong commitment with limited prospects for a cure. 

The economic strain and medical complexities associated with managing kidney disease underscore the need for early detection, preventive measures, and greater awareness of lifestyle factors that can impact kidney health.

“Another sign is that the victim would be swelling.”