A headache comes on in the middle of a busy day. You reach for a painkiller and get back to work. A few days later, another ache sends you reaching for the same medicine. It is a familiar routine for many Nigerians. If the pain disappears and you feel fine, what is there to worry about?

The problem is that chronic kidney disease can develop without obvious symptoms, leaving people unaware of a problem until it becomes more serious and expensive to treat.

Consultant neurosurgeon Dr Charles Ugwuanyi raised this concern during the 15th anniversary of Wellington Neurology and Neurosurgery Hospital in Abuja on 19 October 2026. He estimated that Nigeria records 9,000 new cases of end-stage kidney failure monthly, according to The Guardian Nigeria. However, an independently verifiable national dataset supporting this figure could not be established.

In a separate report published on 20 October, nephrologist Prof Fatiu Arogundade estimated that 25.4 million Nigerian adults may be living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is an estimate, not a confirmed count of diagnosed patients. A 2025 review of Nigerian studies also found reported CKD prevalence ranging from 10 to 19 per cent among adults, with considerable variation across studies.

The everyday habits that could put your kidneys at risk

Painkillers offer quick relief from headaches, menstrual cramps and back pain. But when taking them becomes a regular habit without proper guidance, it is worth considering the risks.

Ugwuanyi warned against indiscriminate use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen, indomethacin and naproxen. These medicines can affect kidney function, particularly when used in excessive doses or for prolonged periods, or by people with existing kidney problems or dehydration.

This does not mean occasional, appropriate use will inevitably cause kidney damage. However, people who frequently need pain relief should seek professional advice rather than repeatedly treating the symptoms without investigating the cause.

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Herbal remedies also deserve caution. Research involving patients at Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu found associations between CKD and factors including chronic analgesic use and herbal concoction consumption. A separate Lagos study identified indiscriminate analgesic use and traditional remedies among reported risk-related behaviours. These findings do not prove that every herbal preparation causes kidney disease, but they underline the importance of understanding what a product contains before using it.

High blood pressure and diabetes are also major risk factors. Both can damage the kidneys over time, particularly when undiagnosed or poorly controlled. Regular blood pressure and blood sugar checks can help identify problems before complications develop.

Why kidney disease can go unnoticed until it becomes serious

One unsettling thing about CKD is that you can have it and feel completely fine. There may be no obvious pain or dramatic change in your daily routine.

The kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood and help regulate blood pressure. According to the National Kidney Foundation, many people with early-stage CKD have no symptoms. Swelling, persistent tiredness, changes in urination, nausea and poor appetite may occur as the disease progresses, but these symptoms can also indicate other conditions.

Testing is more reliable than waiting for warning signs. Healthcare professionals may recommend a blood test to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which measures how effectively the kidneys filter blood, and a urine test for albumin, a protein that can indicate kidney damage.

These checks are particularly relevant for people with hypertension, diabetes, a family history of kidney disease or previous acute kidney injury. A clinician can recommend appropriate tests based on individual risk.

Being young, active or free of obvious symptoms does not automatically rule out kidney disease. The goal is not to panic over every ache but to recognise that feeling healthy and knowing your kidneys are healthy are 2 different things.

The cost of treatment makes early detection even more important

For people with advanced kidney disease, treatment can become a serious financial burden. A Guardian Nigeria report published in March 2026 put haemodialysis costs at ₦50,000–₦80,000 per session in many Nigerian facilities. Kidney transplantation was estimated at ₦25 million–₦30 million, depending on the facility and circumstances.

At ₦50,000 per session, dialysis twice weekly would cost approximately ₦400,000 over 4 weeks. At ₦80,000 per session, 3 sessions weekly would amount to ₦960,000. These estimates exclude medication, laboratory tests, transport and other expenses.

Transplantation also requires continuing care. The report cited monthly medication costs of approximately ₦600,000–₦700,000 during the initial period after transplantation, although actual expenses vary.

These costs make early detection especially important. Finding kidney disease before it advances may allow patients and clinicians to manage underlying conditions and slow further damage, although early diagnosis cannot guarantee that kidney failure will be prevented.

Practical steps include controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, using medicines as directed, avoiding unverified remedies and seeking medical advice when pain persists. People with advanced kidney disease may need individualised fluid restrictions, so hydration advice should reflect their medical circumstances.

Meiza Nigeria