Medical experts have warned that severe dehydration can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and cause acute kidney injury, urging people to maintain regular fluid intake as the dry season approaches.
The warning comes as extreme heat driven by the El Niño weather pattern threatens public health across Nigeria, according to Punch. Kidney specialists explained that acute fluid loss happens when the body expels more liquid than it takes in, particularly through excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea, bleeding, infections, or childbirth complications.
Consultant Nephrologist and Professor of Medicine at the Lagos State University College of Medicine, Prof Jacob Awobusuyi, explained that acute kidney injury can develop when reduced blood circulation prevents the organs from clearing waste properly. He noted that although the body tries to conserve water, prolonged fluid deficits can overwhelm these natural systems.
Awobusuyi pointed out that a drop in urine production is a critical indicator of poor kidney performance. When the kidneys fail to remove toxins, waste accumulates rapidly in the body, which can eventually impact the brain and the heart. In severe cases where urine output stops entirely, dangerous symptoms can emerge within three to four days.
To stay safe, Awobusuyi advised adults with healthy kidneys to consume between two and three litres of clean water every day. He also urged people participating in physical activities to consistently replace lost fluids. However, he warned against turning to sugary and carbonated beverages to satisfy thirst, recommending plain drinking water instead.
Echoing these concerns, Consultant Physician and Nephrologist Dr Zumnan Gimba noted that inadequate hydration directly undermines the kidneys' core role of balancing bodily fluids. The specialists stressed that while early-stage acute kidney injury can often be reversed with swift treatment, neglecting symptoms can lead to severe breathing troubles, loss of consciousness, and death.
