Diseases & Conditions

Back pain, most commonly affecting the lower back (lumbar region), is one of the most frequent reasons adults seek medical care worldwide and in Nigeria, affecting people across all occupations — from market traders and okada riders to office workers and manual labourers. It ranges from a dull, persistent ache to sudden, sharp pain that limits movement. Most cases are "mechanical" in origin, related to muscles, ligaments, discs, or joints of the spine, and improve within a few weeks with simple care. However, back pain can occasionally signal a more serious underlying condition that needs prompt evaluation.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, a common condition affecting older men that can obstruct the flow of urine. It becomes increasingly common with age, affecting more than half of men over 60 and up to 90% of men in their 80s. While not life-threatening and not linked to prostate cancer, BPH can significantly affect quality of life and, if left unmanaged, can lead to urinary complications.

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes — the airways that carry air into the lungs. There are two main forms. Acute bronchitis is a short-term inflammation, most commonly caused by a viral respiratory infection, that typically resolves within 3 weeks. It is one of the most frequent reasons for medical consultations in Nigeria. Chronic bronchitis is a long-term condition defined as a productive cough lasting at least 3 months per year for two or more consecutive years. Chronic bronchitis is a component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is strongly linked to smoking and persistent exposure to indoor air pollution.