Doctor: Early signs of kidney failure through changes in skin and digestion.

Recognizing the warning signs of kidney failure, from changes in skin and blood pressure to urinary disorders and muscle aches, can help detect the disease early and prevent complications.

According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, an outstanding physician and PhD holder from the Urology Clinic at Nam Saigon International General Hospital, kidney failure is one of the silent but extremely dangerous diseases that directly affects the body's vital functions. In Vietnam, it is estimated that more than 10 million people suffer from chronic kidney disease (a cause of chronic kidney failure), with approximately 8,000 new cases each year.

"Kidney failure is a condition where the kidneys no longer effectively perform their function of filtering blood, removing toxins, and regulating water and electrolyte balance in the body. When the kidneys weaken, waste products, toxins, and excess fluid gradually accumulate in the blood, affecting many other organs such as the cardiovascular system, bones and joints, and the nervous system," shared Dr. Thu Huong.

Early warning signs of kidney failure

Kidney failure is a disease that progresses silently, with no clear symptoms in the early stages, making it easy to overlook. Symptoms usually only become apparent when kidney function has significantly declined. However, early detection plays a crucial role in effective treatment and disease control. Therefore, we need to be aware of the warning signs of kidney failure to seek timely medical attention:

Skin and hematological manifestations: Grayish-blue skin, pale mucous membranes. Facial and extremity edema due to fluid retention. Anemia, which occurs in severe stages and is often difficult to detect early.

Cardiovascular symptoms: Hypertension. This is due to fluid retention and hormonal imbalances that regulate blood pressure from the kidneys. In severe cases, blood pressure may be difficult to control or resistant to treatment.

Heart failure : Prolonged high blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, eventually leading to heart failure. Complications may include pericarditis, pericardial effusion, or congestive heart failure.

Gastrointestinal, neuromuscular, and urinary symptoms : Nausea, loss of appetite, digestive disorders. Diarrhea, ulcers of the oral mucosa and gastrointestinal tract… Muscle cramps, muscle weakness (possibly due to potassium and calcium imbalances). Bladder symptoms, urinary disorders (dysuria, painful urination, frequent urination…). Coma due to high blood urea levels (a common complication in end-stage renal failure).

Bone damage : Osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and fractures are common conditions in patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease due to mineral imbalances in the body.

Recognizing the warning signs of kidney failure, from changes in skin and blood pressure to urinary disorders and muscle aches, can help detect the disease at an early stage.

Illustration: AI

Causes of kidney failure

Kidney failure can have a sudden onset or develop insidiously over a long period, depending on the cause.

In acute kidney failure, the triggers usually occur over a short period, and the kidneys can regain function if treated promptly. Common causes include severe dehydration (due to prolonged diarrhea or vomiting), severe infections, trauma, blood loss, or side effects from certain medications. Chronic kidney failure, on the other hand, typically progresses slowly over time and is divided into two main groups of causes.

Primary renal causes (originating from the kidneys): Due to diseases that directly affect the kidneys. Such as glomerulonephritis, inflammation of the small filters (glomeruli) in the kidneys, which may be due to infection, autoimmune disease, or unknown cause. This is also the leading cause of kidney failure. Congenital kidney disease, abnormalities in the kidneys present from birth.

Causes include secondary kidney disease (not originating from the kidneys): This refers to other medical conditions in the body that affect the kidneys. Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney failure worldwide . High blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste. Drug toxicity: Some medications (painkillers, antibiotics, etc.) can damage the kidneys when used for extended periods or at high doses.

"If there are any suspicious symptoms such as edema, pale skin, persistent fatigue, or urinary disorders, patients should go to a medical facility early for timely examination and treatment to avoid dangerous complications such as acute kidney failure, cardiovascular damage, or severe electrolyte imbalance," Dr. Huong advised.

Stages of kidney failure

According to Dr. Huong, correctly identifying the stage of kidney failure helps doctors choose the appropriate treatment method and intervene promptly to slow the progression of the disease. The stages of kidney failure include:

Acute kidney failure: Unlike chronic kidney failure, acute kidney failure is not divided into stages, but rather classified according to severity, based on serum creatinine levels and urine output to assess the extent of kidney damage. From this, the doctor will decide on the appropriate course of treatment.

Chronic kidney disease: Chronic kidney disease is divided into 5 stages, based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This index reflects the amount of blood that the kidneys filter through the glomeruli each minute. The lower the GFR, the more impaired kidney function is. When the GFR drops below 60 ml/min – that is, from stage 3 onwards – the patient is considered to have entered the advanced stage. chronic kidney disease.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-cac-dau-hieu-de-nhan-biet-som-suy-than-qua-thay-doi-da-tieu-hoa-185251105101240666.htm