Uncontrolled Hypertension, Drug Abuse Driving Kidney Disease
Medical practitioner, Dr. Charles Ahiagbe, has raised concern over the growing incidence of kidney disease in Ghana, attributing the trend to uncontrolled chronic conditions and the misuse of medications.
His remarks follow a recent disclosure by the Health Minister that about four million Ghanaians are living with kidney disease.
Speaking on Business Breakfast on Zed 101.9FM, Dr. Ahiagbe identified untreated hypertension and poorly managed diabetes as leading contributors to kidney damage.
According to him, many patients either remain in denial about their condition or fail to adhere to proper treatment, allowing the diseases to silently deteriorate their kidneys.
“Hypertension on its own is dangerous, but when it is left uncontrolled, it becomes a major risk factor for kidney failure,” he explained,
He added that diabetes poses a similar threat when not properly managed.
Dr. Ahiagbe also highlighted genetic kidney disorders as another cause but stressed that lifestyle and medication habits are more common drivers of the condition.
He expressed particular concern about the widespread use of unapproved herbal medications, warning that many of these products are marketed with exaggerated claims despite lacking proven safety standards.
“There is a dangerous assumption that anything natural is safe. That is not true,” he said.
Dr. Ahiagbe cautioned that some natural substances can be harmful, drawing an analogy to snake venom, which is natural but highly toxic.
The medical doctor further warned against the prolonged use of certain painkillers, particularly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), commonly referred to as “ibuprofen-type” medications.
He noted that frequent and excessive intake of these drugs can severely damage the kidneys over time.
Dr. Ahiagbe pointed out that women who rely heavily on such painkillers to manage menstrual pain may be at higher risk if usage is not controlled.
“Taking these medications continuously for several days each month, over a long period, places significant strain on the kidneys,” he cautioned.
He urged the public to prioritise regular health checks, adhere strictly to prescribed treatments for chronic conditions, and seek professional medical advice before using any medication, especially herbal remedies.
Dr. Ahiagbe emphasised that early detection and responsible drug use remain key to preventing kidney disease and preserving long-term health.
