The kidneys have a vital role in excreting waste products out of our bodies, and they also perform many other essential functions. Well-functioning kidneys are necessary for a healthy life; however, many suffer from kidney disease.
Kidney failure, also known as renal failure, is a lethal condition associated with a high death rate. According to WHO, the incidence of kidney failure is rising sharply, and not only is it a life-threatening condition, but it also increases the risk of other severe health conditions, such as heart disease. Another important aspect of kidney failure is that the damage mostly occurs silently, and you come to know about it when it is quite advanced, which is why it is also referred to as the "silent killer." Therefore, it is essential to know about the common causes of kidney failure and ensure that you are avoiding/treating all of them.
Here are a few common causes of kidney failure.
Diabetes
Diabetes causes the highest number of renal failure cases. Research shows that 30% to 50% of all kidney failures are caused by diabetes, and according to WHO, around 422 million people worldwide have diabetes. This high prevalence of diabetes calls for special attention to the kidneys. So, if you or your loved one is suffering from this disease, make sure to speak with your doctor regularly.
Hypertension
High blood pressure over a long period can damage the kidneys and cause kidney failure. Our kidneys contain small filters through which the blood keeps passing all day long to filter out waste products. However, when this blood flows with higher pressure, such as in uncontrolled hypertension, the kidney filters slowly keep getting damaged until renal failure occurs. Therefore, maintaining your blood pressure and vascular health is necessary.
Repeated Kidney Infections
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a fairly commonly experienced infection. The infection might seem relatively harmless in the long run, but repeated infections are not a good sign. Having recurrent infections can cause permanent damage to your kidneys, leading to renal failure.
A Blockage in the Urinary Tract
You can have a blockage in the urinary tract due to various reasons, such as urinary stones, prostate enlargement, blood clots, etc. This blockage puts some back pressure on the kidneys, and this pressure can damage the kidneys over time, eventually causing kidney failure.
Poor Blood Circulation
Poor blood circulation can cause various health problems. In extreme cases, such as severe blood loss, the blood pressure can fall too low, leading to kidney damage due to the insufficient blood supply. This type of kidney failure can occur suddenly without any long term kidney damage.
Medications
Always avoid self-medication because it can have unexpected side effects, and kidney failure can be one of them. Various commonly used medications, such as some painkillers, can severely damage the kidneys over time. Always consult your doctor before taking medication.
Kidney Inflammation
Many inflammatory diseases of the kidneys, known as glomerulonephritis, can cause chronic inflammation of the kidneys. The inflamed kidneys keep getting damaged and finally give up.
Genetic Diseases
Some genetic diseases that run in families can also cause kidney failure. For example, polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic condition that can eventually cause permanent damage to the kidneys. Renal failure causes a low quality of life and even death. You should always be vigilant and take precautions to avoid this disease.
To learn more about the importance of the kidneys, read our blog.
Kidney failure, also known as renal failure, is a lethal condition associated with a high death rate. According to WHO, the incidence of kidney failure is rising sharply, and not only is it a life-threatening condition, but it also increases the risk of other severe health conditions, such as heart disease. Another important aspect of kidney failure is that the damage mostly occurs silently, and you come to know about it when it is quite advanced, which is why it is also referred to as the "silent killer." Therefore, it is essential to know about the common causes of kidney failure and ensure that you are avoiding/treating all of them.
Here are a few common causes of kidney failure.
Diabetes
Diabetes causes the highest number of renal failure cases. Research shows that 30% to 50% of all kidney failures are caused by diabetes, and according to WHO, around 422 million people worldwide have diabetes. This high prevalence of diabetes calls for special attention to the kidneys. So, if you or your loved one is suffering from this disease, make sure to speak with your doctor regularly.
Hypertension
High blood pressure over a long period can damage the kidneys and cause kidney failure. Our kidneys contain small filters through which the blood keeps passing all day long to filter out waste products. However, when this blood flows with higher pressure, such as in uncontrolled hypertension, the kidney filters slowly keep getting damaged until renal failure occurs. Therefore, maintaining your blood pressure and vascular health is necessary.
Repeated Kidney Infections
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a fairly commonly experienced infection. The infection might seem relatively harmless in the long run, but repeated infections are not a good sign. Having recurrent infections can cause permanent damage to your kidneys, leading to renal failure.
A Blockage in the Urinary Tract
You can have a blockage in the urinary tract due to various reasons, such as urinary stones, prostate enlargement, blood clots, etc. This blockage puts some back pressure on the kidneys, and this pressure can damage the kidneys over time, eventually causing kidney failure.
Poor Blood Circulation
Poor blood circulation can cause various health problems. In extreme cases, such as severe blood loss, the blood pressure can fall too low, leading to kidney damage due to the insufficient blood supply. This type of kidney failure can occur suddenly without any long term kidney damage.
Medications causing kidney disease
Always avoid self-medication because it can have unexpected side effects, and kidney failure can be one of them. Various commonly used medications, such as some painkillers, can severely damage the kidneys over time. Always consult your doctor before taking medication.
Kidney Inflammation
Many inflammatory diseases of the kidneys, known as glomerulonephritis, can cause chronic inflammation of the kidneys. The inflamed kidneys keep getting damaged and finally give up.
Genetic Diseases
Some genetic diseases that run in families can also cause kidney failure. For example, polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic condition that can eventually cause permanent damage to the kidneys. Renal failure causes a low quality of life and even death. You should always be vigilant and take precautions to avoid this disease.
To learn more about the importance of the kidneys, read our blog.
