₦airaland Forum

Topgainer:
Stop deceiving yourself with those kind of misquotations above
Wake up o ye man. That child was never dead, the illusionist forgot an aspect in this brilliant performance, the posture of the supposed dead girl. If that girl were to be dead Prophet Chris OKAFOR will not be able to raise her from the dead, In fact, Satan cannot resurrect a dead girl at least not now, The Beast and his Prophets will only be allowed such near absolute manifestation of power during the Great Tribulation period.
Absolute power belongs to God only and it is not for stage showmanship

Beloved, note that Jesus said all power belongs to Him cos he stripped the devil of all power and delegated it to the believer. Little wonder he said the believer shall do greater works than he did (John 14:12). Nothing is impossible for God and then for everyone that dares to believe in the power of God (Matt 17:20, Matt 19:26).
What I am saying in essence is this. Don't despise the miraculous. By the power of God, that man could raise the dead. God bless you.

Halleluyah...Glory to God! He's alive in the believer. Wonder worker.

Lassa fever is one of the lethal viral haemorrhagic fevers, apart from Ebola, Dengue and some others. It's predominantly a disease of West Africa that was first discovered in 1969 in a Nigerian town called Lassa where two missionary nurses died from the disease. Since then, there have been periodic epidemic outbreaks of the disease in different parts of Nigeria and the West African subcontinent. Furthermore, it is instructive to note that there is even an ongoing outbreak of this viral illness that has affected no less than 150 people in seven states of Nigeria namely Taraba, Kano, Rivers, Bauchi, Oyo, Niger and Nasarawa. This is according to Dr Abdulsalami Nasidi, Director of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control in a recent interview with BBC Hausa. Sadder still, 7 people have since died from the disease in Taraba, Kano and Rivers states. Arguably, a low level of awareness on the part of the public is a major contributor to the rapid spread of this scourge.
In this light, this article seeks to enlighten you on general facts you need to know as far as Lassa virus is concerned.

1. Lassa fever is a viral illness
It's an acute viral illness caused by Lassa virus which was first discovered in Nigeria. Lassa virus is a single-stranded RNA virus that belongs to a family called Arenaviridae. The natural host or reservoir of this virus is a rodent known as the 'multimammate' rat that belongs to the mastomys genus. It's been observed that mastomys rats breed very frequently and readily colonise homes, hence the easy spread of this zoonotic virus from infected rodents to unsuspecting humans.

2. Lassa fever is quite common in West Africa
Lassa virus infections are common enough in West Africa to warrant public health concern. Averagely, about 300000 cases are recorded each year with 5000 deaths. Unfortunately, the present Lassa epidemic in Nigeria has already spanned 7 states and affected at least 150 people with 7 casualties already reported.

3. How is Lassa virus spread to humans?
Humans can contract the virus when they come in contact, directly or indirectly with the urine and droppings from infected rats or by breathing in tiny particles from air that has been contaminated with rodent excretions. Some humans who eat infected rodents can equally contract the virus. Lastly, if adequate precautions are not taken, care givers who handle or treat infected persons can contract the virus from contaminated blood, tissues, secretions or excretions of such patients. However, it cannot be spread through casual skin-to-skin contacts, provided there are no cuts or bruises.

4. Lassa fever usually produces symptoms
Lassa virus has an incubation period of 1 - 3 weeks following which signs and symptoms of the infection emerge. Initially, non-specific symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, back pain, abdominal pain or pain behind the chest wall may be felt as well as vomiting, diarrhoea and facial swelling. As the disease progresses, mucosal bleeding and bleeding from body orifices may follow.

5. Lassa fever can be treated
Provided the affected person presents early enough and prompt diagnosis of Lassa fever is made, an antiviral agent called Ribavirin has been shown to be quite effective in reducing morbidity and mortality from the disease. In addition to ribavirin administration, supportive treatment may also be given to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance as well as the blood pressure.

6. Untreated Lassa fever often results in death
It was estimated that 15 - 30% of patients who are admitted for Lassa fever end up dying from the illness. Moreover, death rates are even higher for pregnant women, especially those in the third trimester and their unborn babies. Sadly, mortality rates in the latter group sometimes approach 95%. Furthermore, up to one-third of Lassa fever survivors may suffer from varying degrees of hearing loss which may be permanent.

7. Lassa fever is better prevented
Prevention is better than cure. Since no vaccine has been developed yet for Lassa virus infection, people must employ every possible means to avoid contact with rodents and infected people. Our homes must be kept clean and rodent-free, foods should be stored in rodent-proof containers. Health care givers must practise barrier nursing methods such as isolation of infected patients and consistent use of face masks, gloves, gowns and goggles when attending to such patients.

For more health info, feel free to visit http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/forums/health-living.282/

Lovely post and highly educative!
You can check out similar health-related articles here:
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Wait a minute! Has anyone else observed that the headline is somewhat unrelated to the post...merely sensational!
No mention of PMB probing Jonathan's 'loots' throughout the post

There is no gainsaying the fact that Health is Wealth. However, quite unfortunately, countless families have been reduced to abject poverty and misery by reason of the huge health costs incurred during repeated or protracted hospital admissions to manage complications and disabilities resulting from these 'Killer' diseases that will be discussed in this piece.

To say the least, what about the numerous promising lives that are being claimed by these lethal diseases on a daily basis?
Evidently, the impact of these medical conditions cannot be overemphasized. Hence, for the wise, prevention is better than cure.

MALARIA
Arguably the most overlooked illness in Nigeria, malaria keeps wreaking havoc on a daily basis, especially among younger children (Under-Fives) who have yet to develop sufficient immunity against Plasmodium falciparum, the commonest causative agent of malaria.
According to the Nigeria Malaria Fact sheet, about 100 million cases of malaria are recorded annually in Nigeria with over 300,000 deaths. Sadly, the majority of these victims are children.
Furthermore, children under five are also more susceptible to a severe form of malaria (Cerebral Malaria) that occurs as a result of infestation of the young brain by the malaria parasite that may eventually lead to dreaded neurological sequelae like mental retardation, deafness, blindness and so on.

However, the good news is there are effective strategies geared towards reducing the burden of malaria viz the use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs), Intermittent Preventive Treatment for pregnant women (IPT) and prompt diagnosis and treatment of cases. Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) as the first-line in malaria treatment.

CANCERS OF THE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT
Needless to mention that cancers, especially of the reproductive tract are potentially fatal such that a diagnosis of cancer is sufficient to drive cold down the spine of anyone. Only recently, Nigeria lost one of her finest, Prof Dora Akunyili to endometrial cancer after 2yrs of battling with the scary diagnosis.
Cervical and Breast cancers are the commonest in women, while for men, it is prostate cancer.
A research conducted by Cervical Cancer Global Crisis Card revealed that about 9,659 Nigerian women die annually from cervical cancer, with the frightening implication that, on average, one Nigerian woman dies of this cancer every hour.
Also, 1-2 in every 25 Nigerian women is at risk of breast cancer.
Furthermore, in a prospective study carried out on Nigerian men above 45yrs with prostatic symptoms, it was found that approximately 64% of patients newly diagnosed with prostate cancer died within 2yrs of diagnosis.

The bottom line, however, is that these cancers are largely preventable through regular Pap smear screening tests and vaccination for cervical cancer; regular self-breast examination (for lumps) to detect breast cancer.
While there is no fail-proof measure to prevent prostate cancer, you may reduce your risk by eating healthy (less fat, more fruits/vegetables) and regular exercise.

DIARRHOEAL DISEASE
A WHO Report in 2011 revealed that diarrhoeal illnesses claimed 173,878 lives annually in Nigeria, amounting to about 10% of total deaths. Regrettably, about 760,000 under-five children die annually from diarrhoea worldwide and majority are due to dehydration. To make matters even worse, several mothers attach little or no importance to diarrhoea and simply dismiss it as a natural accompaniment of teething.
It is noteworthy, however, that simple measures like proper hygiene, administration of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and zinc supplementation would suffice to reverse this ugly trend.

CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS
The cardiovascular disorders namely stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident), hypertension, heart failure and heart attack (Coronary Artery Disease) are important causes of sudden death in Nigeria. Previously thought to be limited to the Western world, it has become obvious that these disorders are now quite common with us. A former Governor of Ondo State, Chief Olusegun Agagu was reported to have slumped and died possibly following a heart attack. While it is worrisome that about 57 million Nigerians, representing approximately one-third of the entire population are hypertensive, it is even more worrisome that the majority of cases are detected only after dreaded complications have set in. Little wonder hypertension is aptly described as the 'silent killer'.
Diabetes and Obesity are also closely related to the aforementioned cardiovascular disorders and they contribute their own quota to the death toll.
However, simple lifestyle modifications like avoidance of smoking, regular exercises and drug compliance will go a long way to prevent these conditions or possible complications that may arise from them.

HIV/AIDS
This dreaded infection is mostly contracted through contact with infected blood or body fluids during unprotected sex with affected individuals, unsafe blood transfusion, sharing of needles. Mother-to-child transmission also occurs before, during after delivery.
A report from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) stated that 3.4 million Nigerians were living with this condition, putting Nigeria on the second spot behind South Africa in terms of HIV global burden.
Fortunately, while a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS could easily mean a death sentence a few years back, the same cannot be said about the disease today. Thanks to the advent of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) medications which have recorded a huge success in combating the scourge of HIV/AIDS by improving the quality of life of patients.



In conclusion, it is glaring from the foregoing that simple preventive measures and healthy lifestyles can safeguard you from these killer diseases. My candid advice to you is endeavour to stay healthy at all times.

For more of my informative articles on health and wellness, feel free to visit:
http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/forums/health-living.282/

There is no gainsaying the fact that the pregnant state naturally comes with its own peculiar challenges, with implications for both mother and baby. At least two individuals are involved - the mother and her baby(ies)- and a delicate yet vital balance must be maintained to ensure the health of neither is compromised in any way.
There is a popular adage that you are what you eat - and so is your baby! But why is this so true? The answer is not far-fetched. Everything you consume is digested and absorbed into the bloodstream and your unborn baby ultimately gets its own fair share through a vital organ, the placenta that normally links the mother and foetus, ensuring that the foetus receives adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients.

From the foregoing, it is now obvious that when you are pregnant, your unborn baby relies mainly on what you take for its nourishment to the extent that its health is directly linked to what you consume.
In view of this fact, let us now take a look at some of the foods that could be harmful to you and/or your baby during pregnancy:

Seafoods
As much as fish can prove very beneficial to you during pregnancy since it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and animal protein, you still need to be quite selective on which ones to consume. Seafoods like shark, swordfish, king mackerel and shellfish have been shown to contain high levels of mercury which can be injurious to the developing brain of your unborn baby. However, catfish, salmon, shrimp and tilapia are all safe for your consumption during pregnancy.

Caffeine
Coffee and other caffeine-containing products are to be taken with caution during pregnancy. Numerous studies suggest that high levels of caffeine may be associated with miscarriage and low birth weight. In the same vein, caffeine is likely to cross the placenta and may lead to foetal distress in the unborn baby. The current recommendation is to limit caffeine intake to less than 200-300mg in a day if you must take it at all.

Raw or Undercooked Meat
Pregnant women usually stand a higher risk of severe food poisoning due to microorganisms like salmonella and listeria that are often found in raw or undercooked meat. More often than not, the foetus is at the receiving end as this may lead to unwarranted pregnancy loss. Furthermore, toxoplasma, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis is occassionally found in raw meat and can cause blindness and mental retardation in the unborn baby. Hence, it is advisable to cook meats and poultry thoroughly prior to consumption.

Raw or Undercooked Eggs
These are commonly infected by salmonella which is a common cause of acute food poisoning. Therefore, it is only wise for a pregnant woman to avoid raw eggs or products that contain raw eggs like home-made mayonaisse and ice cream. A valuable piece of advice is to cook eggs properly until the egg yolk and egg white are firm.

Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables
In spite of the tremendous benefits that fruits and vegetables offer, when contaminated, they are potential sources of various infections that could lead to severe food poisoning in the mother and adverse occurences in the foetus. Hence, cultivate the good habit of washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.

Liver and Liver Products:
Foods with a high content of vitamin A such as liver and liver products like cod liver oil, liver sausage and pate may not be the best for you during pregnancy. Although they are rich in iron and folic acid, they also contain significant quantities of vitamin A which may be harmful to the baby in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Alcohol
Any quantity of alcohol is not advised in pregnancy as alcohol intake increases your risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. Moreover, there is such a disease entity as the Foetal Alcohol Syndrome in which the unborn baby suffers from mental retardation, congenital heart defects and facial anomalies. Evidently, this syndrome is typically observed in babies of alcoholic mothers.

To sum up, in order to ensure that your pregnancy is a rewarding and satisfying experience culminating in the timely delivery of a healthy baby, it is important to avail yourself of the list above and steer clear of whatever food may jeopardize your health or that of your unborn baby.

For more informative articles on your health and fitness, feel free to visit:
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In spite of the immense gains and benefits of westernization, it is not without its drawbacks, some of which pose considerable health risks to us. Myriads of medical conditions such as cancers, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders were uncommon in third-world countries a few decades back. However today, statistics have shown that the scope of these diseases has assumed global dimensions.

Understandably, the food industry is not left out of the trend even as consumer interest is rapidly shifting from fresh food items to processed canned products such as canned beverages, soups, drinks, tomato paste etc.
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a toxic chemical contained in the lining of cans and has the potential to leach into the food content during microwaving or while washing with harsh detergents. Tin and aluminium are also toxic metals mostly used in making metal cans. If not handled properly, they can also leach into the food and cause health problems like skin and eye irritation, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Discussed here are some of the potential dangers you may be exposing yourself to as you consume more of these canned foods:

Breast cancer: A study done in 2009 concluded that BPA can cause neoplastic changes in human breast epithelial cells thereby increasing breast cancer risk. For patients already on chemotherapy for breast cancer, BPA was shown to reduce the sensitivity of tumour cells to chemotherapy.

Brain tumours: In China, a research conducted found that individuals with elevated urinary BPA levels were almost twice as likely to suffer from meningioma (tumour of the brain covering that can compress on the brain leading to numerous neurological deficits) compared with individuals with lower levels of BPA.

Botulism: This is marked by a potentially fatal paralysis that may arise from improperly canned food items encouraging the growth of Clostridium botulinum.
This bacterium forms toxin-producing spores which are responsible for this lethal disease. However, the practice of good hygiene significantly reduces the risk of botulism.

Reproductive problems: Several human studies have established a link between BPA in canned foods and reproductive problems. A research carried out on workers in BPA factories in China discovered that they had four times higher risk than their counterparts of experiencing erectile dysfunction and decreased libido ( sexual urge). BPA has also been linked to testicular cancer and oligozoospermia (reduced sperm count)

Asthma: BPA has been found to increase the risk of asthma in offspring of women with high urine BPA concentrations. Also, a research carried out in 2013 by Columbia Centre for Children's Environmental Health reported that children with high BPA levels between ages 3-5 yrs stood a greater risk of developing asthma later on.

Obesity: BPA in canned foods alters neural mechanisms that regulate appetite thereby leading to increased risk of obesity and its attendant medical complications such as stroke, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, cancers, liver disease and so on.
Diabetes: Owing to the estrogen-like effects of BPA, it binds to estrogen receptors to alter glucose and lipid metabolism. In adults, it disrupts insulin release and promotes resistance to the action of insulin - a body hormone that helps to drive glucose into the cells for subsequent breakdown and utilization.

Gastrointestinal problems: After ingestion of significant quantities of tin in canned food, gastrointestinal problems like nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea were reported.

Adverse pregnancy outcomes: An in vitro study found that exposure of placental cells to low doses of BPA may lead to such problems in pregnancy as preeclampsia, preterm delivery, Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) and recurrent miscarriages.

Heart diseases: A cross-sectional study done in 2010 revealed that patients with very high urinary levels of BPA had a 33% higher risk of developing Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). Similarly, a Korean study performed in 2014 established a strong link between BPA contained in the plastic lining of canned drinks and hypertension.

I know that this Boko Haram sect members are close to their waterloo. They are in their last days

Unfortunately, in recent times, the incidence of obesity and its attendant health problems (such as stroke, hypertension, diabetes, cancers and so on) has been on a steady rise as more people lead sedentary lifestyles and consume fatty foods.

In view of the diverse health risks and challenges associated with obesity on the one hand and the immense benefits that have been attributed to being able to maintain a normal Body Mass Index (18.5-24.9) on the other hand, it has become pertinent to discuss some of the fruits that must become a part of your regular diet in order to help burn some fat and promote weight loss.

1. Apples: Apples are known to be a very rich fruit source of dietary fibres. Fibres help to fill your stomach and reduce your likelihood of snacking on junk foods. Also, being a low-calorie fruit, apples are your best bet if you want to slim down a bit.

2. Pears: These fruits have been shown to have a high-fibre content which is an essential ingredient for weight loss. Pears were also found to lower cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the chances of excessive weight gain and also protecting the heart.

3. Grapefruits: They are excellent high-fibre, low-calorie fruits that have proved to enhance weight loss. Researchers have ascribed this effect to phytochemicals and vitamin C found in grapefruits. A study performed at Johns Hopkins University revealed an average weight loss of 20 pounds in some women who ate grapefruits daily for 13 weeks. That was an amazing result, right? Consider adding grapefruits to your diet as well.

4. Coconuts: Apart from being high in fibre content, coconuts contain medium-chain triglycerides that increase the metabolic rate of the liver and thereby help to facilitate weight loss and keep you in good shape.

5. Tomatoes: Tomatoes aid in the synthesis of carnitine, an amino acid that has been shown to enhance the body's ability to burn fat by up to thirty-three percent. Furthermore, lycopene, a phytochemical and vitamin C which are found in tomatoes are also beneficial to those who need to shed some weight.

6. Berries: These are rich in powerful natural chemicals (polyphenols) that can enhance weight loss. A recent study at Texas Woman's University revealed that blueberries are able to fight fat cells and prevent fat from forming. In the same vein, strawberries promote the production of leptin and adiponectin which help the body to burn fat.

7. Oranges: Oranges are low-calorie, high-fibre fruits yet dense in nutrients. A single serving of oranges contains only 85 calories but it has as much as 4.3g of dietary fibres which enhance regular bowel movements apart from helping you to feel full so that you can avoid junk foods.

8. Avocado: It contains significant quantities of Omega-9 fatty acids which help to boost metabolism or breakdown of fat and thereby reduce body fat stores.

9. Pomegranates: They are high-fibre, low-calorie and cholesterol-lowering fruits that can prove very beneficial in your bid to shedding some weight. Each half-cup serving contains as much as 3.5g and a study done by scientists at University of Caroline showed that pomegranates contain Polyphenol antioxidants that help to suppress appetite and boost metabolic rate.

10. Peaches: Peaches have been found to destroy extra fat layers, hence they are a good option for those planning to lose weight. Furthermore, being a rich source of dietary fibre and water, peaches can replace your high-calorie snacks and make you feel satiated over prolonged periods of time.

11. Bananas: Although bananas have a higher calorie content than most other fruits, their calorie content is largely fat-free. The benefit of this for the person who needs some weight loss is that bananas can provide them the needed nutrition and energy without fat. In addition, bananas are great in fibre content.

12. Kiwis: Although an overlooked fruit in enhancing weight loss, it is interesting to note that one-cup serving of Kiwi contains a whooping 5g of fibres and only 110 calories. They also contain carnitine which helps to break down fat to release calories. Kiwis have also been found to stabilize blood sugar levels in order to prevent conversion of excess sugars to fat by insulin.

In conclusion, research has shown the tremendous health benefits of weight loss such as improved glycemic control in obese diabetic patients, reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive obese patients and better lipid profile in obese patients with dyslipidemia. Hence, taking pragmatic steps towards ensuring a normal weight is a worthwhile venture.

Feel free to check out this link for more of my health and fitness articles. Live a healthy life!
http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/forums/health-living.282/

Feel free to check out my other great articles concerning your health and fitness:
http://www.nigerianbulletin.com/forums/health-living.282/

The kidneys are vital organs that perform certain key functions without which it becomes practically impossible for the body to thrive. Some of the fundamental roles the kidneys play involve excretion of nitrogenous waste products and toxins from the body system; maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance; synthesis of erythropoietin to drive red blood cell production and regulation of Blood Pressure.

From the aforementioned, it is obvious that failure of both kidneys has grave implications for the affected individual. But do the kidneys have to fail before medical help and intervention is sought? The answer is NO.

Discussed below are some of the warning or alarm signs that may point to failing kidneys, necessitating an urgent visit to your doctor for proper evaluation and management:
1. [b]change in urine volume: [/b]If you have observed that you now pass large volumes of urine more often than usual (polyuria), especially if you need to urinate more than 2-3 times at night (nocturia), you may need to see the doctor for further evaluation of your kidneys. In the same vein, reduction in urine output (oliguria) may be a pointer to Acute Kidney Injury. In any case, if you have observed any persistent changes in your urine output, go and see the doctor.

2. Frothiness/Foaminess of the urine:[/b]Did you notice that your urine foams excessively and over a prolonged period? It may be due to large quantities of protein leaking into your urine because of damaged kidneys. You will be doing yourself a lot of good to have your kidneys assessed properly.

3. [b]Passage of bloody urine (Haematuria):[/b]This is a condition in which an individual passes blood - frank or altered in the urine. It's an alarm symptom that can be due to myriads of problems affecting the kidneys, ureters or the bladder. Some of the common causes are acute glomerulonephritis, sickle cell nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease, renal cancer, stones along the urinary tract, schistosomiasis and so on. Moreover, the bottom line is that comprehensive evaluation of the kidneys to exclude a renal disease is crucial in this case.

4. [b]Body swelling: Early-morning facial swelling or puffiness that regresses as the day goes by is especially suggestive of 'faulty' kidneys. Eventually, the swelling may progress to involve the entire body (anasarca). However, malnutrition, cardiac or liver diseases may also give a similar picture. If you have this symptom, it's necessary to present to the physician.

5. [b]Persistent hiccups:[/b]Inability of the failing kidneys to excrete urea (one of the waste products) ultimately leads to an accumulation of this toxic substance in the blood (uraemia) and this often irritates the diaphragm, leading to persistent hiccups.

6. Body itching/Pruritus:[/b]This is another manifestation of accumulated toxic waste products in the bloodstream. Hence, if you experience persistent body itching, assessing your renal function may be of tremendous benefit.

7. [b]Lethargy and Fatigue:[/b]Patients with chronic renal disease often complain of easy fatiguability upon little or no exertion. This is understandable given the role of the kidneys in red blood cell production such that failure of both kidneys is likely to lead to low blood levels (Anaemia) and consequent inability to cope with the demands of body tissues.

8. [b]Shortness of breath:[/b]Based on the fact that the kidneys are responsible for maintaining body fluid balance, when the kidneys fail, accumulation of fluids in both lungs may result and this interferes with gaseous exchange in the lung alveoli thereby making breathing difficult if not impossible.

9. [b]Nausea/Vomiting: Some patients with kidney failure complain of persistent nausea and a tendency to throw up all the time. Again, this is likely due to waste products of metabolism, especially urea that has accumulated in the body due to renal disease.

10. [b]Pain in the loins/flanks:[/b]The kidneys are situated in the loins. Hence, recurrent or persistent flank pain may be a pointer to kidney diseases due to stones (nephrolithiasis), infection (pyelonephritis) or cysts (polycystic kidney disease). Obviously, persistent loin pain warrants further evaluation at a hospital.

In conclusion, it is pertinent to note that definite renal replacement therapy for End-Stage Kidney Disease is so capital-intensive that it's beyond the reach of the common man. Hence, early intervention to prevent or slow down progression to End-Stage Kidney Disease may be life-saving. But this is only possible when patients recognize the early warning signs of kidney disease and make themselves available on time for proper evaluation.

The kidneys are vital organs that perform certain key functions without which it becomes practically impossible for the body to thrive. Some of the fundamental roles the kidneys play involve excretion of nitrogenous waste products and toxins from the body system; maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance; synthesis of erythropoietin to drive red blood cell production and regulation of Blood Pressure.

From the aforementioned, it is obvious that failure of both kidneys has grave implications for the affected individual. But do the kidneys have to fail before medical help and intervention is sought? The answer is NO.

Discussed below are some of the warning or alarm signs that may point to failing kidneys, necessitating an urgent visit to your doctor for proper evaluation and management:
1. [b]change in urine volume: [/b]If you have observed that you now pass large volumes of urine more often than usual (polyuria), especially if you need to urinate more than 2-3 times at night (nocturia), you may need to see the doctor for further evaluation of your kidneys. In the same vein, reduction in urine output (oliguria) may be a pointer to Acute Kidney Injury. In any case, if you have observed any persistent changes in your urine output, go and see the doctor.

2. Frothiness/Foaminess of the urine:[/b]Did you notice that your urine foams excessively and over a prolonged period? It may be due to large quantities of protein leaking into your urine because of damaged kidneys. You will be doing yourself a lot of good to have your kidneys assessed properly.

3. [b]Passage of bloody urine (Haematuria):[/b]This is a condition in which an individual passes blood - frank or altered in the urine. It's an alarm symptom that can be due to myriads of problems affecting the kidneys, ureters or the bladder. Some of the common causes are acute glomerulonephritis, sickle cell nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease, renal cancer, stones along the urinary tract, schistosomiasis and so on. Moreover, the bottom line is that comprehensive evaluation of the kidneys to exclude a renal disease is crucial in this case.

4. [b]Body swelling: Early-morning facial swelling or puffiness that regresses as the day goes by is especially suggestive of 'faulty' kidneys. Eventually, the swelling may progress to involve the entire body (anasarca). However, malnutrition, cardiac or liver diseases may also give a similar picture. If you have this symptom, it's necessary to present to the physician.

5. [b]Persistent hiccups:[/b]Inability of the failing kidneys to excrete urea (one of the waste products) ultimately leads to an accumulation of this toxic substance in the blood (uraemia) and this often irritates the diaphragm, leading to persistent hiccups.

6. Body itching/Pruritus:[/b]This is another manifestation of accumulated toxic waste products in the bloodstream. Hence, if you experience persistent body itching, assessing your renal function may be of tremendous benefit.

7. [b]Lethargy and Fatigue:[/b]Patients with chronic renal disease often complain of easy fatiguability upon little or no exertion. This is understandable given the role of the kidneys in red blood cell production such that failure of both kidneys is likely to lead to low blood levels (Anaemia) and consequent inability to cope with the demands of body tissues.

8. [b]Shortness of breath:[/b]Based on the fact that the kidneys are responsible for maintaining body fluid balance, when the kidneys fail, accumulation of fluids in both lungs may result and this interferes with gaseous exchange in the lung alveoli thereby making breathing difficult if not impossible.

9. [b]Nausea/Vomiting: Some patients with kidney failure complain of persistent nausea and a tendency to throw up all the time. Again, this is likely due to waste products of metabolism, especially urea that has accumulated in the body due to renal disease.

10. [b]Pain in the loins/flanks:[/b]The kidneys are situated in the loins. Hence, recurrent or persistent flank pain may be a pointer to kidney diseases due to stones (nephrolithiasis), infection (pyelonephritis) or cysts (polycystic kidney disease). Obviously, persistent loin pain warrants further evaluation at a hospital.

In conclusion, it is pertinent to note that definite renal replacement therapy for End-Stage Kidney Disease is so capital-intensive that it's beyond the reach of the common man. Hence, early intervention to prevent or slow down progression to End-Stage Kidney Disease may be life-saving. But this is only possible when patients recognize the early warning signs of kidney disease and make themselves available on time for proper evaluation.