A growing number of young Vietnamese patients are struggling with chronic kidney disease, with many being diagnosed at a late stage. According to experts, an unhealthy lifestyle is a major contributing factor, characterized by a lack of physical activity, sleep deprivation, and poor diet.
Vietnam has over 10 million people with chronic kidney disease, accounting for about 12.8% of the adult population. The country’s healthcare system struggles to cope with the demand, with only 5,500 dialysis machines available for around 33,000 patients.
The cost of treating end-stage kidney disease is a significant burden on patients and their families. A single dialysis session can cost up to VND1.3 million (US$49.71), while a kidney transplant can cost up to VND300-500 million without including the cost of immunosuppressive drugs.
Doctors warn that chronic kidney disease progresses silently, with no obvious symptoms in the early stages and often being overlooked until it reaches a late stage, making treatment difficult and less effective.
Experts advise maintaining a balanced diet, drinking enough water, avoiding salty foods and fast food, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and avoiding self-medicating. However, young people are increasingly trading their health for late-night work and entertainment, leading to consequences such as sleep disorders, reduced productivity, and long-term health risks.
The lack of organ donors is also a major challenge in increasing the rate of kidney transplants. Currently, only around 1% of end-stage kidney failure patients receive transplants. The high cost of transplantation, combined with the shortage of available organs, makes it difficult for Vietnam’s healthcare system to provide adequate treatment to those in need.
A recent case highlights the importance of organ donation, where a 13-year-old girl was saved from end-stage kidney failure thanks to a transplant from a brain-dead donor. However, many more young people are struggling with this debilitating disease due to avoidable lifestyle choices and lack of access to healthcare.
Source: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/young-vietnamese-face-rising-kidney-failure-crisis-due-to-unhealthy-modern-lifestyles-4905631.html