From a 22-Year-Old's End-Stage Kid.ney Failure: A Wake-Up Call from Your Body’s Warning Signs

At just 22 years old—young, healthy, and without any history of chronic illness—H., a male university student in Ho Chi Minh City, was devastated to receive a diagnosis of end-stage kidney failure after only a few months of fatigue and unexplained weight loss.

Ignoring the “Mild” Symptoms

H., a final-year student majoring in Software Engineering, shared that about three months ago, he started feeling constantly tired and found it hard to concentrate in class. Despite eating normally, he lost nearly 5 kilograms in a short time. At first, he assumed it was due to exam stress and late nights working on projects, so he didn’t pay much attention.

“I just felt tired all the time, had frequent headaches, and couldn’t sleep well. Some days, I urinated less and my urine was darker, but I thought it was just because I wasn’t drinking enough water,” H. said.

It wasn’t until he fainted in class and was rushed to the hospital that doctors discovered his blood creatinine and urea levels were abnormally high—clear indicators of severely impaired kidney function. Further ultrasounds and lab tests confirmed the diagnosis: end-stage chronic kidney disease. H. would now require regular dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive.

Kidney Failure Is Striking Younger People

A nephrologist at 115 People's Hospital explained that H.’s case is not uncommon. In recent years, kidney failure among young people—especially students and office workers—has been rising rapidly. The main causes are unhealthy lifestyles, irregular eating habits, overconsumption of sugary drinks, long-term use of painkillers, and chronic sleep deprivation.

“Early-stage kidney disease is often very silent, with no obvious symptoms. Patients may just feel a bit tired, urinate more at night, or experience mild swelling—signs that are easy to overlook. By the time symptoms like full-body swelling, high blood pressure, nausea, and extreme fatigue appear, the kidneys may already be 80–90% damaged,” the doctor warned.

Warning Signs of Kidney Failure You Shouldn't Ignore

Health experts recommend that everyone—especially young people—stay alert to these early signs of kidney problems:

• Frequent nighttime urination: Needing to urinate often at night, even when drinking little water.

• Changes in urine: Dark color, foaminess, strange odor, or traces of blood.

• Swelling: Puffiness in the face, limbs, or full body due to the kidneys’ inability to filter out excess salt and water.

• Persistent fatigue: Feeling exhausted without exertion, poor concentration, constant drowsiness.

• Nausea and loss of appetite: Caused by toxin buildup in the bloodstream when the kidneys fail to filter properly.

• Unusual high blood pressure: Weakened kidneys make blood pressure harder to regulate.

Doctor’s Advice on Kidney Health

To prevent kidney disease, doctors advise the following:

• Drink enough water daily; avoid sugary drinks, bubble tea, alcohol, and soda.

• Limit salt and animal protein in your diet; avoid overly salty or meat-heavy meals.

• Do not take painkillers long-term without medical supervision, especially NSAIDs.

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late.

• Get health check-ups every 6–12 months—especially if you’re at high risk (e.g., have diabetes, hypertension, or obesity).

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Kidney disease is no longer just a problem for the elderly. Young people today face a growing risk due to poor lifestyle choices and neglect of early warning signs. H.’s story is a powerful reminder: don’t wait for your body to “speak up” before you start caring for your health. Small, positive habits today are your best protection for a healthier tomorrow.