"Kidney Disease" A Silent Threat You Shouldn’t Ignore Know It, Prevent It Before It’s Too Late

Kidney disease is one of the most common chronic conditions among Thai people and continues to rise steadily. What’s concerning is that early-stage kidney disease often shows no symptoms, causing many patients to become aware of the condition only when it has already progressed to a severe stage. Understanding kidney disease early is therefore key to effective prevention and slowing its progression.

 

What Is Kidney Disease?

The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste and toxins from the blood, regulating fluid and electrolyte balance, and controlling blood pressure. They also play a role in producing red blood cells. When kidney function becomes impaired or declines, it can significantly affect multiple systems in the body.

 

Types of Kidney Disease

- Acute Kidney Disease (Acute Kidney Injury)
Occurs suddenly and is often caused by infections, dehydration, immune-related kidney inflammation, or certain medications.

- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
A progressive condition in which kidney function gradually declines over many years and may lead to end-stage kidney failure. CKD is classified into 5 stages based on the kidney’s filtration efficiency (glomerular filtration rate, GFR).

  1.Stage 1 Chronic Kidney Disease: eGFR > 90 mL/min

  2. Stage 2 Chronic Kidney Disease: eGFR 60–89 mL/min

  3. Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease: eGFR 30–59 mL/min

  4. Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease: eGFR 15–29 mL/min

  5. Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease: eGFR < 15 mL/min

 

In stages 1-3 of chronic kidney disease, the kidneys’ ability to filter waste and toxins is not yet severely impaired. Early diagnosis and proper management at these stages are crucial.However, once the disease progresses to stages 4 or 5, the reduced ability to eliminate waste can lead to serious complications, and patients may require renal replacement therapy, such as dialysis or kidney transplantation.

 

Common Risk Factors for Kidney Disease

- Diabetes and hypertension
- Long-term use of painkillers or certain herbal medications
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- High-sodium (salty) diet
- Kidney stones
- Obesity, smoking, and regular alcohol consumption
- Family history or genetic predisposition

 

Symptoms to Watch For

Early stages may show no clear symptoms, but as the disease progresses, the following may occur:

- Fatigue and low energy
- Frequent urination or decreased urine output
- Foamy, dark-colored, or blood-tinged urine
- Swelling in the face, feet, or ankles
- Difficult-to-control high blood pressure or hypertension in individuals under 40

 

Diagnosis of Kidney Disease

Regular health check-ups are essential for early detection. Diagnosis may include:

 - Blood tests: To assess kidney function
 - Urine tests: To detect protein or red blood cells, which are not normally present
 - Ultrasound or imaging: To evaluate kidney structure and abnormalities in the urinary system

 

Treatment and Care

Treatment depends on the stage and cause of the disease, focusing on:

- Controlling underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
- Adjusting diet (reducing salt and protein intake as advised)
- Avoiding medications that may harm the kidneys
- Regular medical follow-up

 

Prevention Tips

- Drink adequate clean water
- Avoid high-sodium foods
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid self-medicating or using herbal remedies without medical advice
- Have annual health check-ups, especially if at risk

Taking care of your kidney health today is essential. Although kidney disease is a “silent threat,” it can be prevented and its progression slowed with proper care. Regular check-ups and lifestyle adjustments are key to maintaining long-term kidney health.

Phitsanuvej Phichit Hospital provides comprehensive screening, diagnosis, and care by specialist physicians—helping you maintain better kidney health and a sustainable quality of life.
 

 

Source : Phitsanuvej Phichit Hospital

Phitsanuvej Phichit Hospital

**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team