An Abuja-based medical Doctor, Dr. Okezie Emenike, on Thursday said chronic inflammation of the kidney could lead to kidney failure.
Emenike disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja.
He explained that kidney inflammation is an immune response that occurs when the body’s white blood cells and immune fighting chemical in the body work to protect it from infective and foreign bodies.
He also defined inflammation as a natural defence the body takes on when it is under attack.
It serves as a notice for fight.
The physician identified two types of kidney inflammation as the acute and the chronic inflammation.
According to Emenike, the acute occurs for a short period of time, while the chronic occurs for a long time, which may never go away, stating that it could lead to kidney disease.
However, the doctor attributed acute pyelonephritis as well as renal failure as factors that contribute to the development of the condition in some patients.
He also said tuberculosis of the kidney, lupus nephritis, certain poisons and medications predispose one to the development of the condition.
He said: “Gout, metabolic disorders, vacuities as well as toxins cause the condition.
“Papillary necrosis, perinephric abscess and typhoid fever could also pose a risk of developing kidney inflammation.
“Yellow fever, infections, lack of exercise, obesity, poor nutrition, anaemia and bladder infection causes the condition.”
Besides, Emenike admonished patients to limit the intake of non-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin and others to prevent the development of kidney inflammation.
He also recommended regular taking of enough fluids to prevent kidney stones, which could also contribute to the development of the condition.
He said: “Adequate intake of calorie, protein and foods enriched in antioxidants helps prevent kidney inflammation.
“Foods such as fish enriched in omega 3 fatty acids, which is known for its anti- inflammatory effect, should be consumed regularly.
“Adequate intake of Vitamin D, regular exercise as well as losing weight if obese helps in the prevention of the condition.”
However, Emenike stated that treatment of the condition starts from the type of inflammation, adding that specific prescribed medication was encouraged in order to treat it.
He added that other ways of treating kidney inflammation had to do with life style changes such as eating healthy foods.
He enjoined patients to limit their consumption of pain killers and also imbibe the habit of taking adequate water which helps flush the kidneys helps treat the condition.
He admonished patients susceptible to the condition to avoid excessive intake of alcohol.
NAN.
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