Young worker suffers acute kidney failure after working in sun without drinking water

A young, healthy 25-year-old construction worker in Hanoi faced a life-threatening condition of acute kidney failure after a single day of intense work under the scorching sun. The patient, identified as H.T., was admitted to Bach Mai Hospital's Center for Urology and Nephrology with severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, and intense muscle cramps.

He had reportedly forgotten to drink water due to intense focus on his job, believing his youth and good health made him resilient to the heat. His creatinine levels surged to nearly four times the normal rate, signaling acute kidney failure and the potential need for dialysis. Doctors noted his condition was critical, with a risk of emergency dialysis if he had arrived later.

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If he had arrived later, when toxins had accumulated too much in his blood, the patient might have required emergency dialysis.

Fortunately, after three days of aggressive treatment and fluid replenishment, his kidney function fully recovered, and his symptoms subsided. He was discharged, but his case serves as a stark warning. Doctors at the center observe a rise in acute kidney failure cases during hot seasons, particularly among young, healthy individuals. They explain that prolonged sun exposure leads to severe dehydration, reducing blood flow to the kidneys. Intense physical activity in heat can also cause rhabdomyolysis, where muscle breakdown releases toxins that can block kidney tubules.

The hospital urges people to recognize warning signs like significantly reduced or absent urination, dark urine, severe muscle pain, and extreme fatigue or confusion. These indicate severe dehydration or kidney impairment. To prevent such incidents, experts advise proactive hydration, especially with electrolyte or mineral water for those working outdoors. They also recommend limiting outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and seeking cool, shaded rest if feeling overheated.

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When working or moving for many hours under the sun, the body must sweat a lot to cool down. If not rehydrated in time, the body will fall into a state of severe dehydration, causing the amount of blood nourishing the kidneys to decrease.