Early Detection and Dietary Restrictions for Uremia

Understanding Uremia

Uremia is the terminal clinical syndrome of progressive chronic kidney failure, marked by:

• Metabolic disruptions: Electrolyte imbalances, acid-base disorders.
• Systemic toxicity: Affects digestive, cardiovascular (hypertension, pericarditis), hematologic (anemia), nervous (neuropathy), and respiratory systems.
• Key indicators: Elevated BUN/creatinine, plus symptoms like vomiting, urea breath, or pruritus.

Early Warning Signs

Despite affecting ~100 per million annually (80% young adults), many miss early warnings due to asymptomatic progression. Modern treatments (dialysis/transplants) save lives—if detected timely.

Strict Medication Avoidance

Forbidden Drugs

• Chinese herbs: Cinnabar, Thunder God Vine.
• Western meds: NSAIDs, steroids, tetracyclines (even in cold remedies).

Dietary Bans

1. Protein: Prioritize animal sources (fish, eggs); limit plant-based (soy).
2. Potassium: Avoid bananas, oranges, low-sodium salts.
3. Purines: No organ meats, seafood, or legumes.
4. Absolute no: Starfruit (neurotoxic to CKD patients).

Late-Stage Nutrition Rules

1. Protein: 1.2g/kg/day (dialysis patients need extra to counter losses).
2. Calories: 35 kcal/kg/day from grains; restrict sugars/fats.
3. Fiber: 20g/day via oats, veggies, nuts (controls cholesterol).
4. Fluids/electrolytes:
   • Limit water if oliguric.
   • Sodium <4g/day for hypertension.

Emergency alerts: Seek help for vomiting, seizures, or dyspnea.