Discover the realm of medicine with Chula Pharmacy: Safeguard your kidneys for a joyful life.

    The kidneys, integral organs no less vital than the brain, heart, or liver, play a pivotal role in filtering waste continuously and maintaining water and mineral balance in the blood. Should the kidneys falter and fail in their waste-filtering function, dire consequences unfold, such as the accumulation of waste products leading to edema, high blood pressure, anemia, fragile bones, and compromised heart function—ultimately, a life-threatening scenario unless timely dialysis is administered.

    Kidney failure manifests in two forms: acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure, a rarity, occurs suddenly over days or weeks, often due to diminished blood or water supply to the kidneys or exposure to kidney-toxic substances like certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs). Vigilance is crucial when using this class of drugs, limiting their duration under close medical supervision, particularly in cases of prolonged pain or chronic inflammation.

    Chronic kidney failure is a gradual deterioration of kidney function over an extended period, leading to the need for kidney replacement therapy, either through transplantation or lifelong dialysis. In both cases, life never fully returns to normal. Transplant recipients must adhere to lifelong immunosuppressive drug regimens, while dialysis patients face continuous treatment, requiring meticulous dietary control to prevent exceeding the kidney's replacement therapy capacity.

    Most cases of chronic kidney failure stem from prolonged high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, obesity, high blood fats, and smoking—modifiable risk factors. To avert kidney deterioration and the need for drastic interventions, adopting healthier behaviors is imperative. Regular medical check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, smoking cessation, and consistent medication adherence for chronic conditions are vital preventive measures. Additionally, avoiding kidney-toxic substances, including certain medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies lacking safety information, is crucial.

    Reducing salt intake, beyond just table salt and fish sauce, extends to various sauces, soy sauce, seasoning powders, soups, snacks, and processed foods. Moderate salt consumption eases the burden on the kidneys, promoting their longevity.

    In summary, meticulous control of blood pressure, diligent diabetes management, weight and fat control within normal limits, judicious use of medications, and prudent salt reduction collectively mitigate the risk of kidney failure, ensuring the enduring health of our kidneys throughout our lifespan.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattada Areepiam and Asst. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwasuwan

Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University