Urinary tract disease kills faster than you think, experts explain what you must avoid

DDM News

(DDM) – Medical experts have raised alarm over the rising cases of Urinary Tract Disease (UTD), warning that the condition can turn deadly faster than many realise if left untreated.

UTD, which can begin with mild symptoms such as frequent urination or pelvic discomfort, has been linked to kidney failure, sepsis, and even death when ignored.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered from recent health studies and physician advisories that lifestyle choices, particularly excessive intake of sugar, salt, and alcohol, are directly worsening urinary tract health for millions of Nigerians.

According to the Nigerian Association of Nephrology, poor dietary habits have accelerated the number of kidney-related deaths in the country over the past decade, with UTD being a silent contributor.

Health professionals say sugar remains the biggest dietary culprit.

Dr. Funke Adeyemi, a Lagos-based urologist, explained that high sugar intake creates a favourable breeding ground for harmful bacteria in the urinary tract.

“When the body’s immune defences are weakened by excessive sugar, bacteria multiply faster, turning a manageable infection into a severe health crisis,” she noted.

Salt, too, is a hidden danger.

Medical nutritionist Dr. Musa Ibrahim told DDM that heavy salt consumption strains the kidneys, raising blood pressure and reducing their ability to filter waste effectively.

“This constant pressure and reduced function can make the urinary system more vulnerable to infections and damage,” he said.

Alcohol, while socially accepted, is another factor silently undermining urinary tract health.

Health researchers point out that alcohol is a diuretic, causing dehydration and making it harder for the body to flush out bacteria.

In prolonged cases, alcohol abuse also weakens kidney tissue, compounding the risk of chronic urinary diseases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that many UTD-related deaths occur because patients ignore early signs, self-medicate, or delay hospital visits.

Common symptoms include burning sensations while urinating, cloudy or bloody urine, back pain, and fever.

Experts recommend regular hydration, reduced intake of processed foods, and prompt medical consultations at the first sign of infection.

Dr. Adeyemi emphasised that prevention remains the most effective approach.

“Your urinary system is delicate but resilient if treated well,” she said. “Limiting sugar, salt, and alcohol is not just advice, it’s a life-saving choice.”

Nigerian hospitals have reported a surge in younger patients developing kidney complications from untreated UTDs, underscoring the urgent need for dietary and lifestyle adjustments.

Public health advocates are calling for nationwide awareness campaigns, warning that the cost of dialysis and kidney transplants far outweighs the effort of preventive care.

In a country where healthcare access remains uneven, they say simple choices about food and drink could mean the difference between long-term wellness and an avoidable tragedy.

If unchecked, experts fear that rising UTD-related mortality could rival other chronic health threats within the next decade.

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