A study has revealed that the prevalence of long –term kidney problem medically known as chronic kidney disease (CKD) among people of Bangladeshis 22.48 percent. This is becoming a burden for public health and gradually reaching the point of becoming a leading cause of disability and death. According to experts, about 20 million people are suffering from long –term kidney problems, and of them, approximately 35,000—40,000 develop complete kidney failure each year. What is alarming is that more young people are being affected now-a-days, a situation exacerbated by gross negligence. The kidney doctors still encounter indifference of patients on this matter
In Bangladesh, reasons for kidney ailments are: taking excessive pain killer pills and germ killing drugs without a doctor’s supervision, taking medications on the advice and suggestion of local sellers in the pharmacy who do not have any academic knowledge, unawareness about the relation of pain killers to kidney disease, and skipping recommended blood tests before starting any medication. It is essential to be aware of the link between pain medication and long –term kidney problems. Given the current dengue fever, chikungunya, and other viral fevers, the affected people may become dependent on pain medication for a long time. For the pain relief medicines, the kidneys are responsible for filtering them from the body. When people take them for a long time, these drugs accumulate, leading to a higher prevalence of analgesic nephropathy. Long –term use of pain-relievers Damages the kidneys. Taking wrong medication or medications with cheap ingredients, fake medicines, and not taking enough water while on pain medications may seriously damage kidneys.
Even though all three types of advanced kidney failure treatment and renal replacement for end-stage renal disease are up to date and available in Bangladesh, yet 25 percent of end-stage renal disease patients cannot afford treatment because it costs a lot of money. Besides, there is one nephrologist for every 0.8 million people in Bangladesh, according to a study. The most effective approach to combating this disease is raising public awareness about its seriousness. people must be educated thateven a slight overddose of paracetamol, often viewed as safe, can lead to life-threatening conditions.
To curb the misuse of pain medication, government must implement strict regulations requiring a valid prescription for all types of pain relievers sold. Every pharmacy should employ a licensed pharmacist to verify the authenticity of drugs. The growing crisis of kidney disease in Bangladesh demands an immediate focus of the government.
