WHAT CAUSES KIDNEY FAILURE?

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Kidney failure is a serious condition in which the kidneys are no longer able to filter waste products from the blood. This can lead to a buildup of toxins in the body, and can eventually cause life-threatening complications.  

Diagram showing a pictorial view of kidney diseases

Kidney failure is also known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). There are two main types of kidney failure: 

  1. Acute kidney failure: Acute kidney failure is a sudden loss of kidney function caused by factors like dehydration, severe infection, medication toxicity, or a sudden drop in blood flow to the kidneys. If the underlying cause is treated, the kidneys may recover.
  2. Chronic kidney failure is a gradual loss of kidney function that occurs over time. The leading causes of chronic kidney disease are:
  • Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys.
  • Hypertension: This is also known as high blood pressure, prolonged high blood pressure can strain and weaken the blood vessels in the kidneys.
  • Glomerulonephritis: This is a part of the kidney filtering units that can lead to chronic kidney disease when inflamed.
  • Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): An inherited disorder causing cysts (are fluid-filled sacs that can form on the kidneys, and can range in size from small to large. In some cases, cysts can cause pain or other symptoms, but in other cases, they may not cause any symptoms at all) to form in the kidneys, gradually reducing their function.
  • Autoimmune Diseases: conditions like lupus and other autoimmune disorders can affect the kidneys.
  • Certain Medications: Prolonged use of certain drugs or pain relievers can lead to kidney damage. Drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen, as well as antibiotics like vancomycin and gentamicin. Additionally, some chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin, can also cause kidney damage. If you are taking any of these medications, it is important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks to your kidneys.
Treatment for kidney failure can include dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Overall, other factors including smoking, obesity, and a family history of kidney disease can increase the risk of kidney failure. Early detection, proper management of underlying conditions, and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of kidney failure. Individuals at risk need to have regular check-ups and consult with healthcare experts for further therapy/management.

Remember, when the diet is wrong drug is an option. Take care of your consumption to avoid snacking on drugs.

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