5 Early Warning Signs of Kid.ney Failure You Shouldn’t Ignore

Recognizing early warning signs of kidney failure can greatly improve treatment outcomes. Below are five key symptoms that may indicate the onset of kidney disease and should not be overlooked.

Early Warning Signs of Kidney Failure

According to Thanh Niên newspaper quoting Meritorious Doctor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, from the Nephrology - Urology Clinic, Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, kidney failure is a silent yet extremely dangerous condition that directly affects vital body functions.

Here are some of the early warning signs to watch for:

1. Skin and hematologic symptoms:
Pale or grayish skin, pale mucous membranes. Swelling in the face, hands, or feet due to fluid retention. Anemia may appear in advanced stages and is often difficult to detect early.

2. Cardiovascular symptoms:
High blood pressure caused by fluid retention and hormonal imbalance in blood pressure regulation. In severe cases, blood pressure can become resistant or difficult to control.
Heart failure may develop as prolonged high blood pressure forces the heart to work harder. Complications include pericarditis, pericardial effusion, or congestive heart failure.

3. Digestive, neurological, muscular, and urinary symptoms:
Nausea, loss of appetite, indigestion, diarrhea, mouth or gastrointestinal ulcers.
Muscle cramps and weakness (possibly due to potassium and calcium imbalance).
Bladder or urination problems such as frequent, painful, or urgent urination.
In end-stage kidney failure, high blood urea levels may lead to uremic coma.

4. Bone damage:
Osteoporosis, osteomalacia, and fractures are common in chronic kidney disease due to mineral imbalance.

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Complications of Kidney Failure

Although dialysis can help reduce strain on the kidneys, it cannot completely replace their function. Therefore, patients remain at risk of serious, even life-threatening complications.

Common complications include:

• Anemia

• Bone disease and high phosphate levels in the blood

• Heart disease

• Hyperkalemia (high potassium levels)

• Fluid retention

• Mental health issues

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How to Prevent Kidney Failure

According to expert advice from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vu Le Chuyen, Tam Anh General Hospital, the risk of kidney failure can be significantly reduced by following these preventive measures:

1. Manage other health conditions effectively:
Diabetes and high blood pressure are major risk factors. Regular monitoring and adherence to treatment plans are essential.

2. Be cautious with over-the-counter medications:
High doses of common painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can increase toxin levels in the body and overwork the kidneys.

3. Maintain a healthy weight:
Obesity raises the risk of diseases linked to kidney failure, such as diabetes and hypertension.

4. Adopt a healthy diet:
Reduce sugar and cholesterol intake; consume more fiber, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.

5. Limit salt intake:
Excessive salt increases blood pressure, leading to kidney strain.

6. Stay hydrated:
Dehydration reduces blood flow to the kidneys and may cause kidney damage. Drinking enough water daily is highly recommended by doctors.

7. Avoid alcohol:
Alcohol raises blood pressure and adds excess calories that may cause weight gain.

8. Don’t smoke:
Smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys and impairs kidney function, even in people without existing kidney disease.

9. Manage stress:
Stress and anxiety can elevate blood pressure, negatively impacting kidney health.

10. Exercise regularly:
Physical activity helps reduce stress, control diabetes and high blood pressure, and maintain a healthy weight. Suitable exercises include swimming, walking, and jogging.