Little-known habits unexpectedly increase the risk of kidney disease

The kidneys work hard to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, while also balancing blood pressure and minerals.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) occurs when the kidneys don’t function properly. Well-known risk factors for kidney failure include family history, diabetes, and high blood pressure, says Shahzia A. Lakhani, MD, director of clinical education at the American Kidney Foundation. Obesity also puts you at risk for kidney failure because it increases your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.

Chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidneys do not function properly.

What people may not know, Lakhani notes, is that long-term, chronic use or abuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen or paracetamol, also increases the risk of developing or worsening kidney failure due to the painkillers' effects on kidney function, according to the health news site Health Digest.

Why Painkillers Can Lead to Kidney Damage

People often take painkillers for headaches or joint pain like knee pain... Although painkillers are considered safe, these drugs can have side effects.

Painkillers can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney damage over time, especially in people with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, Lakhani said.

What people may not know is that long-term use or abuse of painkillers also leads to the risk of developing or worsening kidney failure.

To protect kidney function when taking pain relievers, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible duration, avoid combining multiple pain relievers, and remember to drink plenty of fluids.

Kidney patients should consult their doctors about pain management, advises Lakhani.

Other habits that lead to kidney disease

According to research, smoking more than 20 cigarettes a day can increase the risk of kidney disease. Even just 5 cigarettes a day significantly increases serum creatinine levels. High levels indicate problems with kidney function.

Obstructive sleep apnea also leads to kidney failure because the condition can increase blood pressure, oxidative stress, and cause kidney hypoxia.

A 2022 study of 470,000 people also found that eating too much white bread and consuming a lot of processed meat increased the risk of kidney failure. The study suggested eating dark bread and walking to help reduce the risk of kidney failure.

In addition, eating too much salt, too much sugar, and not drinking enough water can also harm the kidneys.

Ignoring the early symptoms

In particular, many people often ignore the early signs of kidney disease when it is still possible to treat it in time. They delay going to the doctor or taking any action to protect the kidneys. Over time, this leads to serious kidney damage. If you go to the doctor in the early stages, your doctor can suggest measures to restore kidney function, according to the Times of India.

People may not notice signs of kidney failure at first, but some people notice foamy urine, fatigue, or weight loss. In more advanced stages, people with kidney failure may have trouble concentrating, swelling in the hands and feet, or muscle aches.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thoi-quen-it-nguoi-biet-khong-ngo-lam-tang-nguy-co-mac-benh-than-185241110040810912.htm