Doctor: The unexpected link between heat and kidney damage

People often think of heatstroke as affecting the brain and energy levels, but few people realize that heatstroke can cause kidney damage.

When body temperature rises in heatstroke, the patient is at risk of multiple organ failure and kidney damage, according to health news site Only My Health.

Here, Dr. Safia Livingston, a nutritionist at Minimal Access Smart Surgery Hospital in India, explains the link between heatstroke and kidney damage.

Heatstroke is characterized by central nervous system dysfunction, when the body's core temperature rises above 40°C, while normal core temperature is maintained at around 37°C, explains Livingston.

People often think of heatstroke as affecting the brain and energy levels, but few people realize that heatstroke can cause kidney damage.

Illustration: AI

In case of intense physical activity or being in the sun, you should adjust your water intake accordingly. For every 30 minutes in the sun or during vigorous physical activity, you should drink an extra glass of water to replace lost water and electrolytes.

When the body temperature rises during heatstroke, the person is at risk of multiple organ failure and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. This can lead to acute kidney injury. In some cases, it can even lead to chronic kidney disease.

According to a 2021 study, up to 25-35% of cases of exertional heatstroke will develop into acute oliguric renal failure (kidney failure with little urination), according to Only My Health.

The importance of hydration and electrolytes

Rehydration and electrolytes play an important role in protecting the body. Electrolytes play a major role in maintaining fluid balance in the body. Dietary sources of electrolytes include coconut water, milk, yogurt, bananas, and avocados.

In addition to preventing kidney damage, adequate hydration helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as dementia, heart failure, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure...

Things to note to avoid kidney damage

Dr. Livingston concludes: You should also avoid drinking too much alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate the body. A quick and easy way to determine dehydration is to check the color of your urine. Dark yellow or brown urine indicates that your kidneys are working hard and need to replenish water.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bac-si-moi-lien-he-kho-ngo-giua-nang-nong-va-ton-thuong-than-185250603220147601.htm