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28 and on Dialysis: How Young Nigerians Are Losing Their Kidneys & What You Can Do

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SemicHealth Pulse
April 04, 2025

Fresh health tips, inspiring stories, and more every Friday. Brought to you by SemicHealth

Hey,

Welcome to SemicHealth Pulse.

At 28, Chidi never imagined his 'harmless' painkiller habit would land him on dialysis. Sadly, his story is becoming far too common among young and promising Nigerians.

This week, we’re uncovering why kidney failure is striking young Nigerians—and the simple changes that could save lives.

In today’s newsletter, we will cover:

  1. The Alarming Rise of Kidney Failure in Youth

  2. Hidden Risk Factors You Need to Know

  3. Recognizing Symptoms & When to Seek Help

  4. Prevention & Tips for Kidney Health

The Alarming Rise of Kidney Failure in Youth

You may be asking yourself, “Why is kidney health important for me?” “Is kidney failure really a concern for young people?” “What are the real risks?”

The reality is that kidney failure is not just a problem for older adults; it’s an escalating issue among younger generations. Understanding the dynamics behind this crisis is vital as our lifestyles evolve and new health challenges emerge.

Why This Matters:

  • 42% of new kidney failure patients in Nigerian hospitals are under 40.

  • 73% of Nigerians self-medicate with painkillers.

  • Kidney disease is silent—symptoms often appear only at late stages.

What’s at stake? Your kidneys.

Just as the body needs exercise to thrive, our kidneys require care and attention to function well.

A medical personnel taking blood pressure

Hidden Risk Factors You Need to Know

Chidi's story highlights a troubling reality: kidney failure is increasingly becoming a concern for young people, regardless of age.

It does matter what stage of life you’re in; kidney health can be compromised by various factors that many may overlook.

Let’s shed light on what’s contributing to this crisis:

  • Heavy use of herbal concoctions (accounting for more than 80% of cases)

  • Frequent use of skin bleaching products

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Diabetes

  • HIV infection

  • History of cancer

  • Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)

  • Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen)

  • Chronic painkiller/analgesic use

  • Habit of adding extra salt to cooked food

  • Family history of chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Chidi’s experience should encourage you to make conscious choices that will improve your kidney health and not destroy it.

A Caucasian male doctor from the Oncology Branch consults with a Caucasian female adult patient, who is sitting up in a hospital bed.

Recognizing Symptoms & When to Seek Help

Are you aware of the signs that could indicate kidney problems? Here are some red flags to keep an eye on:

  1. Feeling unusually tired? It could be a sign of kidney stress.

  2. Look out for unexplained swelling in your legs, ankles, or face.

  3. Notice any changes in how often or how much you urinate? Don’t ignore it.

  4. These can be serious symptoms indicating kidney issues.

If you experience any of these, don’t hesitate—reach out to a healthcare professional.

Healthy hydration at home

Prevention & Tips for Kidney Health

They say prevention is better than cure—protect your kidneys before it's too late.

Simple Tips for Kidney Health:

  • Stop using herbal concoctions (linked to >80% of cases in the study)

  • Quit skin-bleaching products (major risk factor)

  • Limit painkillers & NSAIDs (overuse damages kidneys)

  • Reduce salt intake (avoid adding extra salt to meals)

  • Control sugar & processed foods (prevents diabetes & high blood pressure)

  • Stay hydrated (helps flush toxins)

  • Exercise Regularly – It keeps your kidneys and body in good shape.

  • Get Check-ups – Routine screenings help catch issues early.

Taking small steps now can protect your kidneys long-term.

Here’s what to read next!

🩺 UTIs & Kidney Failure: What’s the Link?
Can a simple urinary tract infection turn dangerous? How unchecked UTIs may harm your kidneys.

⚖️ Losing Weight with Type 2 Diabetes
Struggling to shed pounds with diabetes? Science-backed tips to slim down safely.

💥 7 Warning Signs of High Blood Pressure
Silent but deadly? Spot these sneaky symptoms before it’s too late!

Thanks for reading, and take care, friends! We’ll be back next week to talk about "Your Generator May Be Hurting Your Health More Than You Think." See you then!

Here’s your reminder to email [email protected] with any (general) health and wellness questions you’d like for us to answer in a future edition.