Chronic kidney disease leads to a progressive and irreversible decline in kidney function, ultimately resulting in a clinical syndrome characterized by a series of symptoms and metabolic disorders known as uremia. Uremia is not an independent disease but a common clinical syndrome of various late-stage kidney diseases, representing the end-stage manifestations of chronic renal failure.
Early symptoms of uremia include:
1. Drowsiness and fatigue, which are among the earliest signs.
2. Yellowish complexion, caused by anemia. This symptom develops very slowly and may not be noticeable in the short term.
3. Swelling, which is relatively easy to notice. In the early stages, it may only occur in the ankles and eyelids and disappear after rest.
4. Changes in urine output. As kidney filtration function declines, some patients may experience a gradual reduction in urine volume as the disease progresses.
5. High blood pressure, which occurs to varying degrees in early-stage uremia patients. If high blood pressure is accompanied by poor blood clotting, it may lead to nosebleeds or gum bleeding, which should be taken seriously.
The occurrence of uremia in young people is closely related to the following four factors:
1. Excessive consumption of sweets. Large amounts of sugar can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar, which insulin cannot process quickly enough. This can lead to frequent episodes of high urinary sugar levels. Blood sugar has an affinity for glomerular mesangial cells, which can narrow the filtration membrane gaps over time, potentially leading to uremia.
2. High intake of fried foods, which can cause blood viscosity and elevated blood lipids, combined with smoking and drinking, can easily clog the glomerular mesangial cells, increasing the risk of uremia over time.
3. High consumption of meat, hot pot, and seafood, which can lead to elevated uric acid levels. Although not yet at the level of causing sodium urate gout, calcium urate and ammonium urate can easily form. These substances are highly viscous and dense, with an affinity for glomerular mesangial cells, narrowing the filtration membrane gaps and potentially causing uremia.
4. Lack of exercise among young people, leading to poor physical condition and weak immunity, making them prone to colds, infections, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. The overuse of antibiotics, while effective against bacteria, can also damage the immune system and healthy cells. This results in a significant amount of cellular debris, which can severely interfere with the glomerular mesangial cells, causing kidney damage and potentially leading to uremia.
Recommendations for young people:
1. Avoid staying up late frequently, and try not to work past midnight even when working overtime.
2. Do not hold in urine, as this can lead to urinary tract infections. Repeated infections can cause chronic pyelonephritis, which is one of the causes of kidney failure.
3. Avoid eating too salty or too oily foods. Most kidney diseases develop insidiously due to dietary habits, so it’s important to minimize the burden on the kidneys from frequent business dining.
