Vietnam reports rising chronic kidney disease in young adults

According to Ministry of Health statistics, over 10 million people in Vietnam suffer from chronic kidney disease. Medical experts are noting a concerning trend of increasing kidney failure among young adults, including those in their late teens and early 20s, some of whom require lifelong dialysis or kidney transplants.

Dr. Truong Quy Kien from 108 Military Central Hospital attributes this rise to several factors. Improved healthcare access and more rigorous screening have led to higher detection rates among the youth. Additionally, clinical issues such as glomerulonephritis and tubulointerstitial diseases are contributing to the trend.

Lifestyle factors are also significant drivers, including sedentary habits, high consumption of fast food, uncontrolled medication use, and exposure to unregulated chemicals. Because chronic kidney disease often progresses silently without obvious early symptoms, doctors warn that patients frequently arrive in critical condition, making early detection and timely intervention essential.