Diabetes (High Blood Sugar)
Diabetes is the most common cause of Kidney Disease. When blood sugar is high for a long time, it damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys. This makes it harder for the kidneys to filter waste from the blood, causing protein to leak into the urine. Over time, this can lead to kidney failure if not managed. People with uncontrolled diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure are at higher risk.
High Blood Pressure
Long-term high blood pressure can harm the kidneys. The force of the blood against the kidney vessels causes them to thicken and narrow, reducing blood flow. This damages the kidneys slowly over time. Often, people do not notice anything until the kidneys are already affected. Keeping blood pressure under control is very important to protect the kidneys.
Kidney Infections and Inflammation
Some kidney diseases cause inflammation in the kidneys, known as glomerulonephritis. This can happen after infections, due to autoimmune conditions, or other illnesses. The kidneys get damaged little by little, leading to blood or protein in the urine and, eventually, chronic kidney disease.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (Kidneys with Cysts)
Some people are born with a condition where fluid-filled sacs (cysts) grow inside the kidneys. These cysts make the kidneys bigger and damage normal kidney tissue. It usually runs in families and can cause kidney failure over time.
Long-Term Drug or Toxin Use
Using certain medicines or being exposed to toxins for a long time can damage the kidneys. Painkillers like NSAIDs, some antibiotics, or chemicals at work can slowly harm the kidneys, sometimes without any symptoms at first.
Blocked Urine Flow
If urine cannot flow out of the kidneys properly because of kidney stones, prostate problems, tumors, or birth defects, it can cause damage. The pressure from the blockage hurts the kidney tissue over time, leading to chronic kidney disease.
Repeated Kidney Infections
Frequent kidney infections can leave scars in the kidneys. This slowly reduces their ability to work properly. Children with problems like urine flowing backward from the bladder to the kidneys are especially at risk.
Diseases Affecting the Whole Body
Some diseases that affect the entire body, like lupus, certain cancers, or abnormal protein deposits, can also damage the kidneys. These diseases attack the kidney tissue or clog it, making it work less efficiently.
Being Born with Weak Kidneys
Some people are born with fewer or smaller kidneys, or kidneys that are not shaped normally. These kidneys have to work extra hard, and over time, they can get damaged, causing chronic kidney disease.
Other Causes
Other factors include taking harmful medicines for a long time, untreated urinary blockages, or being born premature or underweight (having fewer kidney units). These factors can slowly wear out the kidneys over the years.
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Summary for a common person:
Main culprits: Diabetes and high blood pressure.
Other causes: Infections, inherited conditions, kidney stones, long-term medicines, and some body-wide diseases.
Key message: Controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, avoiding kidney-harming drugs, and treating infections early can protect your kidneys.
