He was 30 and had perfect diet. No blood sugar. Yet one habit almost cost him his life. Doctor reveals: 'He learned a hard lesson...'

He was just 30 and at the peak of fitness. Yet he was diagnosed with kidney failure. Taking to X, internal medicine expert Dr Priyam Bordoloi shared that the patient in question was just 30, ran half marathons, had an impeccable diet which was free from oily and high calorie food items. He also refrained from smoking and alcohol. However, one habit put his kidneys at risk.

Internal medicine specialist Dr Priyam Bordoloi shared the case on X to raise awareness about a commonly overlooked risk.

The man was an avid runner who regularly participated in half-marathons. He maintained a disciplined lifestyle, followed a carefully planned diet that avoided oily and calorie-dense foods, and stayed away from smoking and alcohol. By all conventional measures, he seemed to be the picture of good health.


Trouble began shortly after he completed a demanding half-marathon in extremely hot weather. Within days, he noticed that his legs had become unusually swollen. He also developed severe nausea and overwhelming fatigue. The most alarming sign was that he had not passed urine for an entire day. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, he sought emergency medical care.

Tests revealed that his kidney function had deteriorated dramatically. His creatinine levels were dangerously elevated, confirming severe acute kidney injury. Doctors ruled out common causes such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and inherited kidney disorders.

When physicians asked about medications, the runner mentioned that he had taken ibuprofen before the race to avoid joint pain and additional doses afterward to ease muscle soreness. According to Dr. Bordoloi, this seemingly routine use of a painkiller became the critical factor that triggered the crisis.

The explanation lies in how the kidneys work. These organs contain millions of tiny filtering units that depend on a steady supply of blood. The body produces substances called prostaglandins that help keep blood vessels leading to the kidneys open. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, including ibuprofen, diclofenac, and naproxen, block prostaglandin production. When these medicines are taken during severe dehydration, blood flow to the kidneys can drop sharply, causing kidney cells to become damaged and potentially leading to failure.

Dr. Bordoloi noted that the risk increases when NSAIDs are used during dehydration, combined with certain blood pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors, or taken by people with existing kidney problems.

He also highlighted warning signs that require urgent attention: a sudden reduction in urine output or very dark urine, swelling of the legs or around the eyes, extreme unexplained tiredness, persistent nausea, and shortness of breath.