Earlier this year, a 30-year-old man began experiencing persistent insomnia, unable to sleep despite feeling tired throughout the day. He also suffered from frequent nausea, a changed sense of taste, and a loss of appetite.
When his condition worsened, with constant nausea and severe fatigue, he finally went to Bach Mai Hospital for a check-up. After blood and urine tests, an ultrasound, and kidney function measurements, doctors at the Nephrology-Urology and Dialysis Center delivered the devastating news: he had end-stage chronic kidney failure. His only options were regular dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Doctors explained that chronic kidney disease doesn't always present clear symptoms. Nausea, insomnia, and changes in taste can indicate the body is being poisoned because the kidneys can no longer filter out waste products.
A review of his medical history revealed warning signs as early as 2020. During a routine health check, tests showed proteinuria, indicating protein leakage in his urine, an early sign of kidney damage. By 2022, he noticed excessive and persistent foam in his urine, a classic symptom of proteinuria. He took medication sporadically, didn't follow up with his doctor regularly, and failed to adhere to a strict diet.
Dr. Nghiem Trung Dung, director of the Nephrology-Urology and Dialysis Center, stated that chronic kidney disease often progresses silently, with few noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Many cases are discovered only during routine health screenings or when preparing medical documents for study abroad programs.
The center sees 30 to 40 new cases of kidney failure daily, with a significant number of patients under 30, in their prime working years. Most only seek medical help when symptoms become severe, with many requiring immediate dialysis upon their first visit.
Late diagnosis shortens the window for conservative treatment, increases costs, and limits options like kidney transplants. Some patients, even with willing donors, are ineligible for transplants due to severe complications like heart failure.
Experts warn that unhealthy lifestyles are contributing to the rising rates of chronic kidney disease in young people. In addition to glomerulonephritis, factors like high-salt diets, frequent consumption of fast food and unregulated beverages, and disrupted sleep patterns significantly increase the risk of kidney failure.
Prevention involves a balanced diet, adequate hydration, low salt intake, limiting fast food and alcohol, avoiding tobacco, regular exercise, and responsible medication use, particularly avoiding unnecessary over-the-counter drugs and supplements without consulting doctors or pharmacists.
Thuy Quynh
