How Indiscriminate use of painkillers contributes to kidney failure among young Nigerians – Physician

A United States-based cardiologist, Fidelis Mkparu, has warned that the indiscriminate use of painkillers and other over-the-counter medications is contributing to the rising cases of kidney failure among young Nigerians.

In an interview with Rudolf Okonkwo on 90MinutesAfrica, Mkparu said he was alarmed by the number of young people receiving dialysis treatment in Nigeria.

He recalled visiting a dialysis unit at a Nigerian hospital and being struck by the number of patients in their 30s undergoing treatment for kidney failure.

The cardiologist said many Nigerians routinely take painkillers without realising that prolonged or inappropriate use of some medications can damage the kidneys.

Mkparu also expressed concern over the ease with which medications can be purchased without prescriptions or professional guidance, calling for stronger regulation of drug sales and greater public education on responsible medication use.

He, however, said indiscriminate drug use is not the only factor contributing to kidney disease.

Hypertension and diabetes, he noted, are also major conditions associated with kidney failure, while dehydration could increase health risks, particularly for people exposed to high temperatures without adequate fluid intake.

He also cautioned against placing the burden of Nigeria’s healthcare challenges solely on medical practitioners.

“I used to be angry with physicians in Nigeria, but after I got involved with some hospitals there, I got to see a lot of the deficiencies which are not the making of the physicians but are due to lack of resources and funding to provide the necessary healthcare facilities,” he said.

According to Mkparu, cultural practices, inadequate healthcare infrastructure and widespread poverty all affect access to quality medical care and the ability of patients to manage chronic conditions.