Mr. Thanh, from Bac Giang, was admitted to Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi with shortness of breath, generalized swelling, high blood pressure, and decreased urine output. Tests revealed almost complete kidney failure, with a glomerular filtration rate below 5 ml/minute and elevated potassium levels.

He had been diagnosed with stage 3B chronic kidney disease and was responding well to medical treatment. However, he discontinued his prescribed medication to "detoxify his kidneys with forest leaves" for several months, leading to a worsening condition.

On 9/9, Dr. Nguyen Quang Huy, from the Nephrology and Dialysis Department, reported that Mr. Thanh's kidney disease had progressed to end-stage renal failure with high blood urea levels. Doctors inserted a catheter into his jugular vein for emergency dialysis, which he now requires three times a week. "He arrived too late. His kidneys are almost completely scarred. Conservative treatment is no longer an option. He needs lifelong dialysis or a kidney transplant," Dr. Huy explained.

Dr. Huy examining a patient. Illustrative photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Huy examining a patient. Illustrative photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Tam Anh General Hospital has treated numerous patients with severe kidney failure resulting from the use of unregulated traditional remedies. These remedies are often advertised as "body cleansers, liver tonics, and detoxifiers," but most have not undergone quality control or clinical trials.

Many contain heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic, or residues of preservatives and high doses of pharmaceuticals, especially corticosteroids, according to Dr. Huy. These ingredients can cause inflammation, fibrosis, and destruction of kidney cells, leading to rapid decline in kidney function. Abandoning prescribed treatments for unverified remedies can accelerate kidney disease progression and cause dangerous complications. Complete kidney failure necessitates regular dialysis or a transplant, costing hundreds of millions of dong.

Doctors recommend using only traditional or herbal medicines from reputable sources, approved for circulation, and with dosages prescribed by qualified practitioners. Never discontinue prescribed treatment, as this can rapidly worsen the condition and eliminate opportunities for effective early intervention. Regular health checkups and kidney function tests are advised if symptoms like swelling, fatigue, reduced urine output, blood in the urine, or high blood pressure occur.

Thu Giang

*The patient's name has been changed.