Warning signs of chronic kidney disease and how to prevent it

According to medical experts, in Vietnam, chronic kidney disease is an alarming health problem with more than 8.7 million people suffering from it. However, the early detection rate is still low, with only 4.5% to 15.5% of patients diagnosed at stage 3.

About 800,000 people are in the end stage, requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation, with a mortality rate of nearly 50% within 5 years of treatment, creating a huge economic and social burden.

Specialist Doctor II Tran Van Phu, Head of the Department of Nephrology and Urology (Ha Dong General Hospital) informed that chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as effectively as usual. This can lead to the accumulation of excess fluid and waste in the body. The worrying thing is that chronic kidney disease is extremely dangerous, especially in the early stages because the disease does not show noticeable symptoms.

Even when symptoms do appear, the disease progresses slowly and without obvious signs, making it difficult to detect. This slow progression can make it difficult to detect without specific medical tests. Therefore, many people, when diagnosed, have already reached a severe stage, with almost complete loss of kidney function, requiring lifelong dialysis or a kidney transplant if they want to stay alive.

Chronic kidney disease is defined as kidney damage lasting more than 3 months. In the advanced stages of chronic kidney disease, symptoms include insomnia, swollen ankles, loss of appetite, nausea, mouth sores, loss of taste, blood in the urine, shortness of breath, fatigue, mental decline, unexplained weight loss, etc. People at high risk of chronic kidney disease include people with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, a family history of chronic kidney disease, and obesity.

To protect kidney health, health experts recommend that people control risk factors related to diabetes and high blood pressure through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular health check-ups. Keep blood pressure below 140/90mmHg, if you have diabetes, maintain target blood sugar levels, participate in regular physical activity, and maintain a healthy weight.

If you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, a family history of chronic kidney disease, or obesity, consult your doctor for regular kidney function tests.

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/canh-bao-dau-hieu-benh-than-man-tinh-va-cach-phong-ngua-213164.html