Silent Killers: How Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and Excessive Drinking are Putting 1 in 5 Thais at Risk of Irreversible Kidney Damage

Doctors in Ramathibodi reveal that more than 17% of Thais suffer from chronic kidney disease, a growing trend. Most of them suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, drinking habits, consumption of sweet, fatty, salty foods or some herbs. Recommend health screening, especially for 4 risk groups, emphasizing observations on what types of nighttime urination are considered kidney disease. Reveal treatment guidelines and prevent diseases before they occur

Over 17% of Thais suffer from kidney disease.

November 5th Assistant Prof. Dr. Kanin Thammavaranukup Kidney Specialist Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University and the Royal College of Physicians of Thailand Giving knowledge on Chronic Kidney Disease, in a report on FM 91, Keeping Up with Diseases with the Medical Council, by DJ Laddawan Kachaphong, said that kidney disease is considered a public health problem both in Thailand and around the world. The prevalence of kidney disease patients in Thailand is more than 17% and tends to increase continuously. The most common causes are diabetes and hypertension, followed by kidney stones, kidney inflammation and hereditary kidney disease. For example, kidney stones have many causes, such as food, consumption of certain herbs. Or it can be caused by genetics.

There are 2 types of kidney disease: acute kidney failure and chronic kidney disease. The type of kidney deterioration will be determined by the amount of kidney function deteriorating more than normal, stopped at 3 months. If the kidneys deteriorate more than normal for less than 3 months, it will be acute. But if more than 3 months have passed, it will be chronic kidney disease.

5 stages of chronic kidney disease

“Chronic kidney disease” is a deterioration of kidney function less than 60% for more than 3 months, divided into 5 stages: Stage 1: the value of kidney function is more than 90%, which actually needs to be considered by appearance of the kidney, for example, the kidney has many pockets of fluid. Even if the glomerular filtration rate is above 90%, it can be considered stage 1 kidney disease. In stage 2, the value of kidney function is 60-90%. At stage 3, the value of kidney function is 30-60%. 4, the value of renal function is 30-60%. The renal function is 15-30%, and the stage 5 (last stage) renal function value is less than 15%.

“Renal deterioration” cannot be resuscitated.

“If the kidney function has worsened it will not be able to recover and improve. But it can be slowed down so that it does not deteriorate even faster. For example, a patient’s kidney function is at 65%. If it does nothing for a period of time, it could quickly drop to 50%. if you know quickly and act correctly, the number could drop to 50%, said Prof. Dr. Kanin.

Symptoms of patients with chronic kidney disease Irregular urination, fatigue

For symptoms of patients with chronic kidney disease Kidney specialist Give knowledge that “Kidney patients There will be no symptoms. until it becomes severe Symptom-free period But when you test urine, you can see red blood cells. Or protein can leak out and be contaminated. or more foamy urine Or urinate at night 2 or more times, for example after falling asleep and having to wake up, be careful or less urine. Some people cannot eat well, they are tired, their body is swollen, their legs swollen and get tired more easily. The symptoms will gradually increase and eventually lead to end-stage kidney disease. These symptoms will come gradually one by one. For some people, if their kidney function has worsened by 20% but not have symptoms, they can still contract the disease.

The Ass. Prof. Dr. Kanin highlights the problem of urinating more than 2 times during the night. When you wake up, you no longer have to drink water. But urinating at night is still considered a risk. Because within 4 hours our body will expel almost 80% of the water we drink. If we wake up and drink, we will have to expel it. But the principle is When you wake up you must not drink water. Keep this in mind. Also, urination is frothy. or unusual smell Please come and get checked first. As for the swelling, it may not just be kidney disease. There are also heart disease and liver disease, so it is best to consult a doctor for a diagnosis. Because kidney disease is a silent disease. Some people show no symptoms. Some people show symptoms

Screening of 4 risk groups

Therefore, it is important to require screening in high-risk patients. Risk groups are: 1. People over the age of 60 are recommended two screening tests: a blood test to check kidney function. And collect 1 can of urine to look for kidney disease. 2. A group of congenital diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, gout, kidney stones, etc. 3. A group with a history of smoking. It can worsen the blood vessels of the kidneys. 4. The group took many herbal medicines, Chinese medicine or painkillers and anti-inflammatories. Please undergo kidney screening periodically.

However, a blood test and a urine test will be able to know this to a certain extent. or ultrasound examination to determine whether there are abnormal kidney characteristics or not

Treatment with renal replacement therapy

For treatment with renal replacement therapy There is both hemodialysis and hemodialysis. Abdominal dialysis And what is recommended is kidney transplant There is actually a fourth option for symptomatic treatment for patients with many comorbidities. Hemodialysis can be dangerous.

(Related news: NHSO board approves proposal Restore first PD peritoneal dialysis system)

Guidelines for the prevention of kidney disease

Guidelines for the prevention of kidney disease, Prof. Dr. Kanin revealed that eating habits have a great effect, so consumption should be adequate. Reduce food that tastes very salty. Because it makes the kidneys work harder. and gradually gets worse faster than usual, however, eating salty foods It also has an effect on high blood pressure. and blood pressure Affects the blood vessels of the brain coronary artery and renal blood vessels

It is better to drink clean water. No need for lye

When it comes to drinking water, Prof. Dr. Kanin recommends that clean water is best. It doesn’t have to be lye. What additional water? Regarding the amount of drinking The average person should drink 2 liters per day, or 6-8 glasses per day. But if you have kidney disease in advanced stages, such as stages 4 and 5, you won’t be able to drink much water. But note this: If there is a lot of urine You can drink half a liter more than urine. For example, if you produce 1 liter of urine, drink 1 and a half liters of water.

Reduce “sweet, oily, fatty” and slow down the deterioration of the kidneys.

Also, I would like to point out that less salty food is very good for the kidneys. And it doesn’t have to be too sweet. and follow a low fat diet It will be good for your kidneys. The important thing is to focus on adjusting your eating habits, abstaining from salt and exercising regularly. Drink enough clean water, at least 2 liters, and monitor your kidneys continuously.

“Apart from diet, there is also the issue of controlling comorbidities such as diabetes, blood pressure and fat. If well controlled, the kidneys will improve accordingly,” the nephrologist said, adding that he would like to warn about the vitamin intake. Or any dietary supplements or herbs if you want to eat them, take them to a doctor first to evaluate. Can you eat it? Because these things can also influence the medicines we take,” concluded Prof. Dr. Kanin.

From that knowledge Always observe your symptoms. And the best way is to prevent it before you get sick.