• Metascholar News Portal
• Health , News
• February 24, 2025
• 236 views
• 3 minutes Read

Experts Clarify: Prolonged Urine Retention Not a Cause of Kidney Disease

Medical experts have dismissed the widely held belief that delaying urination can lead to kidney disease, emphasizing that there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Instead, they highlight that while urinary tract obstructions causing urine to flow backward can contribute to kidney issues, simply holding in urine voluntarily is not a risk factor for kidney failure. In interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, renowned physicians clarified the misconceptions surrounding kidney health and the real factors contributing to kidney disease. Dr. Babawale Bello, a consultant nephrologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, noted that kidney disease is often linked to lifestyle choices, including the abuse of painkiller drugs, rather than delaying urination. “It is unlikely that delaying urination when pressed can cause kidney failure,” Dr. Bello stated. He explained that kidney diseases are often silent in their early stages, showing no symptoms until the condition has significantly progressed. This silence contributes to late diagnoses, reducing the effectiveness of treatment options. Dr. Bello emphasized the importance of regular wellness checks to facilitate early diagnosis. “It is during these routine checks, when individuals are still well, that kidney diseases can be detected early,” he said. He urged individuals, especially those living with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and HIV, to monitor their kidney function regularly. The nephrologist pointed out some early warning signs of kidney disease, including persistently foamy urine and excessive urination at night. He advised Nigerians to adopt a preventive approach to kidney health, emphasizing that prevention remains the best strategy against kidney problems. Supporting Dr. Bello’s stance, public health expert Dr. Aliyu Sokomba reiterated that while kidney disease could be managed effectively if detected early, prevention through a healthy lifestyle is critical. He cautioned against high consumption of sodium, sugar, saturated fats, and processed foods, all of which can elevate blood pressure and contribute to kidney damage. “Regular medical check-ups can prevent many diseases from taking root,” Dr. Sokomba noted. He stressed that prevention is better than cure, advising the public to undergo routine health screenings to detect potential issues early. “Regular health examinations and tests can help find problems before they start. They also help detect problems early when chances for effective treatment and cure are higher. By accessing the right health services, screenings, and treatments, individuals increase their chances of living longer, healthier lives,” he added. With kidney disease becoming a significant health concern in Africa particularly in Nigeria health professionals are calling for increased awareness,…