Causes of Kidney Disease

Diabetes

• Diabetes is a major cause of kidney disease.
• Prolonged high blood sugar in the body damages the arteries, which reduces blood flow to the kidneys.
• This weakens the filtering ability of the kidneys.
• Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes increase the risk of kidney disease.

High Blood Pressure

• High blood pressure can also damage the kidneys.
• Persistent high blood pressure damages the blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the kidneys and weakens kidney function.

Urinary Tract Infection – UTI

• Urinary tract infection usually occurs in the bladder or urinary tract, but sometimes it can reach the kidneys as well.
• Untreated urinary tract infections can cause permanent damage to the kidneys.
• Frequent urinary tract infections also increase the risk of kidney disease.

Polycystic Kidney Disease – PKD

• It is a genetic disease, which can be passed from parents to children.
• In this, many fluid-filled sacs are formed in the kidneys, which destroy the kidney tissues and reduce kidney function.

Glomerulonephritis

• This is a condition in which the units (glomerules) that filter blood in the kidneys become swollen or damaged.
• This may be due to infection, autoimmune diseases or certain medications.

Kidney Blockage

• Blockages such as stones, blood clots or tumors in the ureter can obstruct the flow of urine from the kidneys.
• This can cause kidney infection and damage.

Autoimmune Diseases

• The body’s immune system sometimes attacks healthy tissues.
• Some autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome, can damage the kidneys.

Overuse of Pain Medication

• Taking painkillers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, for a long time or in large quantities can damage the kidneys.
• These medicines should not be taken without doctor’s advice.

Unhealthy Lifestyle

An unhealthy lifestyle can increase the risk of kidney disease. These include:

• Unbalanced diet: A diet high in salt, protein and phosphorus can put extra burden on the kidneys.
• Obesity: The risk of kidney disease increases in people suffering from obesity.
• Smoking: Smoking increases blood pressure and reduces blood flow to the kidneys.
• Physical inactivity: Not exercising regularly increases the risk of blood pressure and diabetes, which can lead to kidney disease.

Dehydration

• Not having enough fluid in the body can cause the blood to thicken, which makes it difficult for the kidneys to filter the blood.
• Dehydration can also increase the risk of kidney stone formation.

Other Factors

Some other factors can also increase the risk of kidney disease, such as:

• Genetics: Some genetic conditions may increase the risk of kidney disease.
• Heart disease: People suffering from heart disease also have a higher risk of kidney disease.
• HIV/AIDS: HIV infection can damage the kidneys.

How to reduce kidney disease risk

Many causes of kidney disease can’t be prevented, but you can take some steps to reduce your risk:

• Control diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Eat a healthy diet. Limit the intake of salt, protein and phosphorus. Eat enough fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Do regular exercise.
• Don’t smoke.
• Drink adequate amount of water.
• Get yourself checked regularly by your doctor. This is especially important if you have a family history of kidney disease, have diabetes or high blood pressure, or you have frequent urinary tract infections.
• Take painkillers only as per the doctor’s advice.

Conclusion

Kidney disease is a serious condition, but it can be treated if detected early. You can reduce your risk of kidney disease by adopting a healthy lifestyle and following your doctor’s advice. If you experience any symptoms of kidney disease, visit a doctor as soon as possible.

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