A Physician Assistant at the Manyoro Health Centre in the Kassena-Nankana Municipality, Jessie Kolugu has raised concerns about kidney failure among young people, warning that the condition can impose significant health and financial burdens on patients and their families.
He said kidney failure, once commonly associated with older adults, was increasingly becoming a concern among younger people, particularly because of the high cost of treatment and the challenges families face in accessing essential medical care.
Speaking on Voices of Change on Mike FM on Saturday October 17, Kolugu explained that kidney failure can turn survival into a costly daily struggle, as patients contend with the demands of treatment, limited access to specialised healthcare and the financial pressure on their caregivers.
He identified several factors that may contribute to kidney damage, including high blood pressure, kidney infections, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, heavy intake of energy drinks and prolonged misuse of certain medications.
Kolugu said warning signs of kidney failure may include swelling of the feet and face, changes in urination, persistent fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. He urged the public to seek medical attention when such symptoms occur, noting that early medical assessment is important.
Explaining the importance of the kidneys, he said the two bean-shaped organs filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, help regulate blood pressure and maintain the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance.
He warned that when the kidneys fail to function properly, waste products and excess fluids can accumulate in the body, potentially affecting other vital organs and leading to serious health complications.
Kolugu further explained that patients with advanced kidney failure may require dialysis, a treatment that removes waste products and excess fluids from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform these functions adequately.
He noted that kidney transplantation and dialysis are among the treatment options available to patients with kidney failure. However, he said access to these treatments remained a challenge for many people because of the high cost of care, limited specialised facilities and the availability of suitable donor kidneys.
Beyond the physical effects, Kolugu said kidney failure could cause emotional distress for patients, place considerable financial pressure on families, reduce productivity and increase healthcare costs for society.
To reduce the risk of kidney disease, he encouraged the public to adopt healthy lifestyles, including eating a balanced diet, drinking adequate amounts of water, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
He also advised people to avoid excessive consumption of energy drinks, use painkillers and other medications only as directed by qualified health professionals, and refrain from self-medication.
Kolugu urged the public to take kidney health seriously and seek medical advice promptly whenever they experience unusual symptoms, stressing the importance of preventive healthcare and early detection in reducing the risk of severe complications.
Mike 105.3 FM I Navrongo | Cynthia Afaah
