The risk factors contributing to kidney disease are often associated with a fast-paced lifestyle, a lack of time to prepare hygienic meals, and reliance on processed foods. In the early stages, the disease typically presents no symptoms. If left undiagnosed, it may progress significantly, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination, blood in the urine, and high blood pressure. By the time patients seek medical attention, they may already be in an advanced stage of kidney disease.
Therefore, medical professionals aim to provide knowledge regarding the causes of kidney disease, the link between obesity and kidney disease, treatment methods, preventive measures, and available consultation channels.
There is a common misconception that avoiding salty foods is sufficient to prevent kidney disease. However, several factors contribute to its development. Nephrologists have identified the following key causes:
Kidney disease may be inherited and present from birth or gradually develop.
Certain pre-existing medical conditions, especially those affecting kidney function, increase the risk of kidney disease. These include hypertension, kidney stones, and diabetes.
A diet high in strong flavors, including excessive salt, fermented foods, and overly sweet or spicy foods, can contribute to kidney disease.
The kidneys require water to effectively filter waste from the body and produce urine. Insufficient water intake reduces the kidneys' ability to filter waste properly, resulting in concentrated urine.
Physical inactivity is a contributing factor to various diseases, including obesity, heart disease, and hypertension, all of which place additional strain on kidney function.
Obesity has been identified by nephrologists as a persistent and growing health concern. Besides contributing to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, obesity directly and indirectly affects kidney function.
In overweight individuals, the kidneys must filter waste at a higher rate than in individuals of normal weight. This increased workload results in kidney enlargement, higher internal pressure, and protein leakage in the urine, ultimately leading to kidney damage and reduced efficiency.
Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes, insulin resistance, hypertension, and heart disease, all of which contribute to chronic kidney disease and may eventually lead to end-stage renal failure.
Kidney transplantation is now a widely recognized treatment option that significantly improves the quality of life for kidney disease patients, allowing them to return to a normal lifestyle. A kidney transplant may involve receiving a donated kidney from either a deceased donor or a healthy living relative with a compatible tissue match. Following the procedure, patients require ongoing medical monitoring and may need to take immunosuppressant medications to prevent organ rejection.
Nephrology department, Ramkhamhaeng Hospital provides comprehensive diagnostic, treatment, and consultation services for individuals at risk of both acute and chronic kidney disease. The hospital emphasizes prevention and kidney function preservation to minimize complications while prioritizing patient quality of life.
