Acute kidney failure, doctors warn against self-medication and dietary supplements

Specialist Doctor 2 Huynh Tan Vu, Day Treatment Unit, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Facility 3 said that acute kidney failure is no longer a disease of the elderly or those with underlying diseases. In fact, this disease is becoming increasingly younger. According to statistics, each year Vietnam records about 8,000 new cases of kidney failure, of which 5-10% are people under 30 years old.

In addition to underlying causes such as high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic glomerulonephritis or family history of kidney disease - which are clearly identified risk factors, unscientific lifestyle, unhealthy diet, and uncontrolled use of drugs or dietary supplements also contribute significantly to kidney damage.

Young people - a group of people who are increasingly facing many disease risk factors in modern life

ILLUSTRATION: AI

Bachelor Nguyen Thi Thu Hang, Faculty of Traditional Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3 shared that acute kidney failure can occur silently, without obvious symptoms, but progress very quickly after only a few hours or days, causing kidney function to decline suddenly and endanger life if not detected and treated promptly. Early identification of bad habits and raising awareness about protecting kidney health is urgent, especially for young people - a group of people who are increasingly facing many risk factors in modern life.

Symptoms of acute kidney failure include decreased urine output, excessive sleepiness, lethargy, fatigue; poor appetite, persistent nausea, vomiting; weight loss, itching, swelling of the ankles, feet, unexplained shortness of breath, chest pain or heaviness, muscle cramps (especially in the legs), seizures, coma, anemia (rare).

Kidney failure from common habits

According to experts, the following bad habits are the cause of the risk of kidney failure.

• Regularly use pain relievers such as Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen or antibiotics such as cephalosporins, quinolones... without a doctor's prescription.
• Abuse of antibiotics, functional foods, and weight loss foods without a doctor's prescription.
• Not drinking enough water during the day.
• Poor control of underlying diseases: High blood pressure, blood sugar.
• Eat a lot of processed foods, foods high in fat, protein, potassium, and salt.
• Lack of exercise, physical activity, excessive weight gain.
• Abuse of tobacco, soft drinks, alcohol, beer.
• No regular health checkups.
• Stress, staying up late a lot.

You should spend at least 30 minutes a day exercising such as walking, jogging... to prevent many diseases.

Photo: AI

Positive changes to prevent acute kidney failure

According to Dr. Vu, regarding diet, it is necessary to limit the consumption of too much salt and sugar, increase vegetables, fruits, fiber foods, drink enough 2-3 liters of water per day, especially on hot days and exercise a lot. You should choose fresh foods for processing instead of processed foods. Limit cigarettes, soft drinks, alcohol.

Regarding lifestyle, you should exercise regularly, spend at least 30 minutes a day doing exercises such as walking, jogging, gym, yoga... Control your weight to reduce the progression of underlying diseases. Avoid using antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs without prescription, drugs of unknown origin. Keep your mind relaxed, reduce stress.

In addition, regular health check-ups, urine tests, blood pressure, blood sugar, and kidney function tests are needed.

"Consult your doctor when you have health problems, especially when using drugs that can cause kidney failure. Recognize the symptoms and go to the nearest medical facility when they appear," nursing graduate Thu Hang recommends.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/suy-than-cap-bac-si-luu-y-viec-tu-y-dung-thuoc-thuc-pham-chuc-nang-185250421122329003.htm