“Kidney Disease” The Silent Threat You Should Not Ignore: Know It Early, Prevent It Before It’s Too Late
Kidney disease is one of the most common chronic illnesses among Thai people, and its prevalence continues to rise. What is especially concerning is that kidney disease in its early stages often shows no symptoms, causing many patients to discover the condition only after it has already progressed to a more severe stage. Understanding kidney disease from an early stage is therefore essential for effective prevention and for slowing the decline of kidney function
What Is Kidney Disease?
The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste products and toxins from the blood, regulating the balance of water, minerals, and blood pressure, and playing a role in the production of red blood cells. If the kidneys function abnormally or begin to deteriorate, it can have a major impact on many systems throughout the body.
Kidney disease can be divided into two main types:
1.Acute kidney disease develops suddenly and is often caused by infection, dehydration, kidney inflammation related to autoimmune disorders, or the use of certain medications.
2.Chronic kidney disease is a condition in which the kidneys gradually lose function over time. It usually develops over many years and may eventually lead to end-stage kidney failure. In patients with chronic kidney disease, doctors classify the condition into five stages, based on the kidney’s glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which reflects how effectively the kidneys filter waste from the blood.
- Stage 1 chronic kidney disease kidney function (eGFR) is more than 90 mL/min
- Stage 2 chronic kidney disease kidney function (eGFR) is approximately 60–89 mL/min
- Stage 3 chronic kidney disease kidney function (eGFR) is approximately 30–59 mL/min
- Stage 4 chronic kidney disease kidney function (eGFR) is approximately 15–29 mL/min
- Stage 5 chronic kidney disease kidney function (eGFR) is less than 15 mL/min
During stages 1-3 of chronic kidney disease, the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products and toxins is usually not yet severely impaired. Patients should receive proper care and treatment from the early stages. If the disease progresses to stage 4 or 5, patients may experience serious complications due to the kidneys’ reduced ability to eliminate waste, and may eventually require kidney replacement therapy.
Common factors that contribute to kidney disease include
- Diabetes and high blood pressure
- Long-term use of pain relievers or certain herbal medicines
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- A habit of eating very salty foods
- Kidney stones or stones in the urinary tract
- Obesity, smoking, and regular alcohol consumption
- Genetics or a family history of kidney disease
Symptoms of Kidney Disease to Watch For
In the early stages, kidney disease may not cause any obvious symptoms. However, as the condition progresses, the following signs may appear:
- Fatigue or feeling tired easily
- Urinating more often than usual, or urinating less than normal
- Foamy urine, dark-colored urine, or blood in the urine
- Swelling of the face, feet, or ankles
- High blood pressure that is difficult to control, or high blood pressure in people younger than 40
Diagnosis of Kidney Disease
Regular health check-ups can help detect kidney disease at an early stage. Doctors usually evaluate the condition through the following methods:
- Blood tests to assess kidney function
- Urine tests to check for protein and red blood cells, which are not normally present in the urine. If these substances are found, it may indicate that the kidneys are not filtering waste properly
- Kidney ultrasound or X-ray to identify abnormalities in the kidneys as well as other organs in the urinary system
Treatment and Care for Patients with Kidney Disease
The treatment approach depends on the stage of the disease and its underlying cause, with the main focus on:
- Controlling underlying conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure
- Adjusting dietary habits by reducing salt intake and limiting protein according to the doctor’s advice
- Avoiding medications that may harm the kidneys
- Attending regular follow-up appointments
In addition, kidney disease can be prevented or its progression slowed by following these recommendations:
- Drink enough clean water
- Avoid overly salty foods
- Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
- Do not take medications or herbal remedies without consulting a doctor
- Have an annual health check-up, especially if you have risk factors
Take care of your kidney health starting today. Kidney disease may be a silent threat, but it can be prevented and its severity can be slowed with proper care. Regular health check-ups and lifestyle changes are the keys to maintaining long-term kidney health. **Phitsanuvej Phichit Hospital** is ready to provide diagnosis, care, and consultation by a team of experienced specialists to support better kidney health and a sustainable quality of life for everyone.
Source :
Arokago Providers Phitsanuvej Phichit Hospital
**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team
Independent Writer
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