A 13-year-old girl in China developed severe kidney failure linked to an unhealthy lifestyle and the frequent consumption of a sugary beverage.

The kidneys play an especially vital role in the human body, functioning to filter blood and remove toxins and waste. When the kidneys weaken, it has a significant impact on a person’s overall health.

Recently, according to Aboluowang, a 13-year-old patient was diagnosed with kidney failure. She was admitted to the hospital with uremia and severe kidney dysfunction requiring regular dialysis.

After investigating the cause, doctors concluded that the condition stemmed from her unhealthy living and eating habits—she disliked drinking plain water and instead frequently consumed sugar-filled carbonated beverages.

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Health Risks of Sugary Soft Drinks

According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), the consumption of carbonated drinks is associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney stones—all of which are risk factors for chronic kidney disease.

In particular, carbonated beverages contain phosphoric acid, which is linked to changes in urine composition that increase the risk of kidney stone formation.

Studies have also shown that carbonated drinks have very high acid content, which can negatively affect bone health if consumed regularly.

The additives and certain chemicals in soft drinks increase the amount of waste that the kidneys must filter, leading to varying degrees of kidney damage depending on consumption habits.

Furthermore, carbonated drinks contain inorganic phosphorus. If consumed frequently, large amounts of phosphorus may accumulate in the kidneys, raising the risk of kidney disease.

This habit can also lead to hyperphosphatemia (excess phosphorus in the blood) due to reduced kidney excretion. In advanced cases, patients with hyperphosphatemia may experience symptoms such as a crawling sensation on the skin, itching, rashes, or joint and bone pain. Some may also develop headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath.

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Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Failure

According to Kidney, kidney failure results from the gradual decline of kidney function. Some people may not even realize they have kidney disease until it reaches the stage of failure.

This is because early-stage kidney disease often shows no obvious symptoms. Signs typically appear later as the disease progresses and may include:

• Reduced or absent urination

• Dry and/or itchy skin

• Fatigue

• Difficulty concentrating

• Numbness or swelling in the arms, legs, ankles, or feet

• Muscle pain or stiffness

• Shortness of breath

• Loss of appetite, trouble sleeping

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Causes of Kidney Failure

The two leading causes of kidney failure are diabetes and high blood pressure, which account for about two-thirds of all cases. Other conditions that can also lead to kidney failure include IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, polycystic kidney disease, Fabry disease, and many others.

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Dangerous Complications of Kidney Failure

Kidney failure can trigger a range of health problems and complications. Many people living with kidney failure experience one or more complications, including a higher risk of heart disease or stroke.

Other complications may include:

• Anemia (low red blood cell count)

• Metabolic acidosis (buildup of acid in the blood)

• Mineral and bone disorders (caused by imbalances in calcium and phosphorus, leading to bone and/or heart disease)

• Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood)

Some conditions can act both as causes and complications of kidney disease, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Regular health check-ups are essential for monitoring and managing these risks.