The patient was admitted to Bach Mai Hospital experiencing chest tightness, shortness of breath, severe muscle pain, and limb cramps. One day prior, he had worked continuously outdoors in scorching heat, almost forgetting to drink water due to intense focus on his tasks, leading to his body's near-complete exhaustion.
Test results showed his creatinine levels – a measure of kidney filtering function – surged to 400 µmol/L, nearly four times the normal range. This indicated acute kidney failure, with a risk of requiring dialysis.
Dr. To Thi Anh Huyen, a resident doctor at the Kidney and Dialysis Center, stated that the patient was admitted in a critical condition. Had he arrived at the hospital later, with excessive toxins accumulated in his blood, he might have required emergency dialysis.
Fortunately, after 3 days of intensive treatment and timely fluid replacement, the patient's kidney function fully recovered. His muscle cramps and shortness of breath also disappeared, and he was discharged from the hospital.
Dr. Huyen noted that each hot season sees an increase in hospital admissions for acute kidney failure due to dehydration and extreme weather. Many cases involve young, healthy individuals. When working or moving for many hours under the sun, the body sweats heavily to cool down. Without timely fluid replacement, severe dehydration can occur, reducing blood flow to the kidneys.
Furthermore, overexertion in hot weather can cause rhabdomyolysis. When muscles are damaged, toxins are released into the bloodstream, obstructing renal tubules and rapidly leading to acute kidney failure.
"The human body always has its limits. If one is complacent, anyone can become a victim of acute kidney failure during the hot season", Dr. Huyen warned.
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Bach Mai Hospital admits many patients due to heat. Photo: Le Nga |
Doctors advise people to pay close attention to warning signs when working or being outdoors in scorching heat. These could indicate severe dehydration or impaired kidney function. Specifically, signs include: significantly reduced urine output or not urinating for many hours; dark, deep yellow, or red urine resembling strong tea; severe muscle pain, cramps, continuous limb twitching, extreme fatigue, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or reduced alertness.
To prevent the risk of acute kidney failure during extreme weather, people should follow three important principles: proactive hydration, not waiting until thirsty. Those working outdoors should supplement with electrolyte or mineral water to replenish salts lost through sweat. Limit working, exercising, or physical activity outdoors during peak heat hours, from 10h to 16h. If feeling excessively hot or tired, immediately rest in a cool place, lower body temperature, and rehydrate promptly.
Kidney function can be damaged very quickly by just one day of severe dehydration. If exhaustion, infrequent urination, or dark urine appear after sun exposure, individuals should not self-monitor at home but seek medical attention promptly for examination and timely treatment.
Le Nga
