The causes of kidney failure can be broadly divided into acute and chronic origins, with the most common causes including diabetes and high blood pressure.
Primary Causes of Kidney Failure
- Diabetes: High blood glucose damages the kidney filters over time, leading to diabetic kidney disease, where the kidneys lose their ability to effectively filter waste and retain essential proteins.
- High Blood Pressure: Hypertension damages the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their filtering ability. This can create a dangerous cycle where kidney damage further raises blood pressure.
Other Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease Leading to Failure
- Acute kidney injury or sudden kidney damage from trauma, toxins, or infections.
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and IgA nephropathy where the immune system attacks kidney tissues.
- Genetic conditions like polycystic kidney disease and rare inherited disorders.
- Glomerular diseases (inflammations affecting the kidney filters) including membranous nephropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.
- Complications from urinary tract problems such as kidney stones or obstructions.
- Long-term use or overdose of nephrotoxic drugs (like NSAIDs), exposure to toxins, infections, and metabolic syndromes.
Causes of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) Which Can Result in Kidney Failure
- Sudden lack of blood flow to the kidneys due to injury, shock, or surgeries.
- Direct damage by toxins, drugs, or infections.
- Obstruction in urine flow due to enlarged prostate or kidney stones.
- Severe infections such as sepsis or autoimmune attacks.
- Complications from serious heart or liver conditions.
Understanding the specific cause is key to managing and potentially slowing progression of kidney failure. Diabetes and hypertension are the leading contributors, making them crucial targets for prevention and treatment efforts.
