At just 17 years old, Lan—a bright, cheerful high school student—was rushed to the hospital after experiencing persistent fatigue, swelling in her legs, and nausea. Her condition rapidly deteriorated, and doctors delivered devastating news: she was suffering from advanced kidney failure. Her kidneys had lost nearly all function, and without immediate dialysis, she would not survive. Even with treatment, she would need lifelong dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Lan’s story shocked her community. She wasn’t someone anyone would expect to be seriously ill. She didn’t drink alcohol or use drugs. But as doctors investigated her case, they discovered three dangerous habits—ones that many young people share—that had likely contributed to her condition.

1. Chronic Dehydration Due to Low Water Intake

The first red flag was Lan’s daily water intake—barely one or two glasses a day. Like many teens, she was constantly on the move, spending hours in school and extra classes, often forgetting to hydrate. Instead of water, she relied heavily on bubble tea, sugary drinks, and iced coffee. Over time, insufficient water caused her kidneys to work harder, leading to long-term damage. According to nephrologists, the kidneys rely on adequate hydration to filter waste and toxins from the blood. When water intake is chronically low, it can result in the accumulation of harmful substances and eventually kidney damage.

2. Overuse of Painkillers and Supplements Without Medical Advice

The second habit doctors identified was Lan’s frequent use of over-the-counter painkillers. She had been suffering from menstrual cramps and headaches, so she often took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen without consulting a doctor. In addition, she took various beauty supplements promoted online, believing they would improve her skin and hair. Unfortunately, many of these products contained unknown or unregulated ingredients. Over time, these substances placed enormous stress on her kidneys. Doctors emphasize that casual or prolonged use of painkillers and unregulated supplements is a growing concern, especially among young people who are influenced by social media trends.

3. Irregular Sleep and High-Stress Lifestyle

Lan’s lifestyle was also a factor. She was an ambitious student, often staying up past midnight to study. Combined with exam pressure, irregular meals, and stress, her body was constantly in a state of fatigue. This high-stress lifestyle weakened her immune system and added strain to her internal organs, including the kidneys. Sleep deprivation, in particular, disrupts hormonal balance and blood pressure—both critical to kidney health. Sadly, this “no sleep, work hard” culture is common among teenagers today, who are under pressure to perform academically and socially.

Lan’s diagnosis was a wake-up call—not just for her, but for many of her peers. Once an active girl who dreamed of becoming a teacher, she now spends hours each week hooked up to a dialysis machine. Her future will be shaped by her health condition, a consequence of years of unintentional self-neglect.

Doctors urge young people to make simple, preventative changes: drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily, avoid taking medication or supplements without guidance, and prioritize sleep and stress management. These habits, though seemingly small, can make a life-saving difference.

Lan is now raising awareness among students about the importance of kidney health. Her message is clear: “Take care of your body while you still have the chance. Don’t wait until it’s too late like I did.”

Her story is a heartbreaking yet powerful reminder: youth is not a shield against chronic illness. The choices we make every day—especially the habits we ignore—can quietly shape our future health.