Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease

There are many different conditions that cause chronic kidney disease. The most common causes are high blood pressure and diabetes.

High blood pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure places increased levels of pressure on nephrons in the kidneys, causing poor blood filtering and a buildup of toxins. High blood pressure also damages blood vessels such as the vessels in the kidneys, heart, brains and more, preventing them from working as they should.  Ironically, chronic kidney disease also causes hypertension, leading to a vicious cycle of one medical condition affecting and harming the other. If you are suffering from chronic kidney disease you should strive to maintain your blood pressure lower than 130/80mm HG.

Diabetes

Diabetes prevents the breaking down of glucose in the blood, creating high blood sugar levels that damage the nephrons in the kidneys. The damage is accumulative, gradually reducing kidney function. Damage to the kidneys due to glucose buildup is also known as diabetic nephropathy.

High cholesterol

High cholesterol cause a buildup of fatty deposits in the blood vessels supplying the kidneys, blocking them and preventing proper function.

Glomerular disease

There are a variety of diseases that attack the glomeruli (tiny blood vessels in the kidneys), harming the kidneys and causing chronic kidney disease. These diseases include autoimmune diseases (such as lupus or IgA nephropathy), infections (such as glomerulonephritis or pyelonephritis) and sclerosis (a hardening and scarring of the tiny blood vessels).

Inherited or congenital kidney disease

There are a variety of disease some inherited, others congenital, causing kidney disease. Such diseases include Polycystic Kidney Disease, resulting in the growth of cysts in the kidneys, Nephronophthisis, Medullary sponge kidney, tuberous sclerosis, Lowe’s syndrome, Cystinosis and others.

Blockage

Recurrent kidney stones or an enlarged prostate, for instance, can cause urine blockage and lead to recurring infections. Other types of blockage include congenital blockage, blocked renal artery, various growths and cancer and more.

Vesicoureteral reflux

Flow of urine into the kidneys causing recurring infections and possible kidney damage if untreated.

Long term use of medication

There are many medications that may affect and harm the kidneys if they are used for long periods of time. These include certain antibiotics, lithium, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as celecoxib or ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen and others.

Illegal substance abuse and poisons

Use of illegal substances or exposure to poison may cause irreversible damage to the kidneys.

Trauma

A direct hit to your kidneys due to an accident or injury may cause kidney disease.

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