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All you need to about Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are a prevalent medical problem that affects millions of individuals worldwide. There is no known single cause of kidney stones, although many risk factors do exist.
Kidney stones occur when our urine contains more crystal-forming chemicals — calcium, oxalate, and uric acid — than the water in it can dilute. Simultaneously, the urine may lack chemicals that prevent crystals from sticking together, resulting in an excellent environment for kidney stones to form.
The most frequent types of kidney stones are calcium stones, which are made of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. Other forms include uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones.
There are various risk factors for kidney stones, including dehydration, a high sugar, sodium or protein diet, obesity, certain medical diseases such as gout or urinary tract infections, certain supplements like high dose vitamin C, and other dietary/nutritional supplements, medications like laxatives (purgatives), calcium containing antacids, drugs for migraines and some antidepressants, and a personal or family history of kidney stones.
The symptoms of kidney stones vary according on their size and location. Many persons with kidney stones suffer significant discomfort or sharp pain that spreads from the back below the ribs to the lower abdomen and groin. The pain usually comes in waves fluctuates in severity. The location of the pain may change as the stone moves through the urinary system.
Other symptoms could include nausea, vomiting, pink, red or brown urine, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, frequent urination, persistent need to urinate, pain or burning sensation during urination and fever.
Small kidney stones may pass on their own without causing much discomfort. However, larger stones may require medical or surgical intervention for removal.
Treatment for kidney stones varies according on their size and nature. Many doctors advocate drinking plenty of water to help flush out the stones. Pain medication may also be provided to alleviate discomfort caused by the passage of stones. For larger stones or those that do not pass on their own, medical procedures such as shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or surgery may be required to remove them.
Staying hydrated by drinking enough of water, limiting salt intake, and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables are all preventative methods for kidney stones.
To summarize, kidney stones are a painful and prevalent condition that can affect people of any age. Individuals can prevent kidney stones by recognizing their causes, symptoms, and treatment choices, and seek proper medical care when necessary. It is critical that anyone experiencing symptoms suggestive of kidney stones visit a healthcare physician for proper examination and treatment.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has announced a reduction in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, at its retail outlets in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
According to a report by The Cable, the petrol price at the NNPC station in Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, was cut from ₦935 per litre to ₦910, signaling a slight relief for consumers in the nation’s capital.
However, the new pricing has not yet extended to Lagos, where petrol prices at NNPC retail outlets remain unchanged. This discrepancy has sparked renewed concerns over regional price variations in Nigeria’s downstream oil market.
The latest adjustment comes in the wake of an intensifying price contest between NNPC and the privately-owned Dangote Refinery. Just days earlier, on May 12, the Dangote Refinery lowered its ex-depot petrol price to ₦825 per litre, a strategic move aimed at capturing a larger share of the domestic fuel market.
The price reduction appears to be an outcome of recent high-level discussions between NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Bayo Ojulari, and Dangote Refinery’s founder, Aliko Dangote. The meeting, held on May 9, reportedly sought to realign the relationship between the two entities and promote collaboration rather than rivalry.
Speaking after the meeting, Dangote stated, “There is no competition between us; we are not here to compete with NNPC Ltd. NNPC is part and parcel of our business, and we are also part of NNPC. This is an era of cooperation between the two organisations.”
Ojulari echoed this position during a press briefing on May 12, attributing the petrol price reduction to the recent procurement of fuel at lower international prices. He explained that the earlier surge in pump prices was due to existing stock purchased by marketers at higher rates.
“This downward price adjustment reflects our effort to respond to changing supply conditions and deliver better value to Nigerians,” Ojulari said, while also noting that more adjustments may occur as the market stabilizes.
Industry observers view the ongoing price adjustments as an early indicator of growing competition in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, especially with the Dangote Refinery ramping up its operations. Analysts believe that sustained collaboration between both players could enhance supply efficiency and potentially ease the burden of fuel costs for consumers nationwide.
News
BUNKERING: Army, Tantita Security Arrest Truck Laden with Illegally Extracted Crude Oil in Delta
A joint team comprising officers of the 181 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Oleh, and personnel from Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd. has arrested a vacuum truck involved in illegal crude oil extraction at Well 3, Olomoro, in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State.
According to reports, the truck, which previously belonged to Engr. Daniel Omoyibo, also known as Damotech, was gifted to the driver, Mr. Matthew Ojomikre, who is currently being detained at the Forward Operating Base (FOB), 181 Battalion, Oleh.
Upon interrogation, the driver confessed that his company had been contracted by Heritage Energy Operational Services Ltd. to evacuate sludge from Well 3, Olomoro. However, he was unable to provide any formal approvals or documentation authorizing the activity, as was previously the norm.
Until recently, Heritage Energy Operational Services Ltd. had consistently provided crude and condensate trucking permits to officers of the Nigerian Army and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Ltd. for proper monitoring from the loading point to the discharge location.
Officers of Tantita Security Services, in collaboration with a team from Heritage and the Nigerian Army, have collected samples from the vacuum truck for laboratory testing and analysis.
The preliminary confessional statement from the driver indicates that he illegally collected crude oil from Well 3 under the pretense of evacuating sludge from the wellheads.
Authorities have reported that the same truck has previously been involved in unauthorized crude oil evacuations within the Isoko axis.
The driver, the truck, and its contents remain in custody at the 181 Battalion Base in Oleh for further interrogation and possible prosecution.
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