Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease
Kidney disease can be caused by a number of conditions, though in many cases, no cause can be determined. By getting an early diagnosis and learning how to manage your condition, you and your doctor might help delay or even prevent the onset of kidney disease.
The leading causes of chronic kidney disease include:
Diabetes mellitus, which damages small blood vessels in your body and makes it difficult for the kidneys to function properly
High blood pressure (hypertension), if left untreated, can exert added force and cause damage or scarring to the glomeruli that filter waste from your blood
Glomerulonephritis, a type of inflammatory kidney disease that causes your kidneys to leak protein and/or red blood cells into your urine
Polycystic kidney disease (PCKD), a hereditary disorder caused by clusters of fluid-filled cysts that develop in your kidneys and other organs
Renovascular disease, which involves decreased blood flow to the kidneys due to fatty deposits in the arteries
Chronic pyelonephritis, a chronic kidney infection often caused by repeated episodes of urinary tract infections
Systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic immune reaction where your body mistakenly attacks your own kidney tissue
Kidney stones, crystallized minerals and other substances that can form on the inner surface of the kidneys and over time become small, hard masses
- Obstructive nephropathy, a blockage and backup of urine causing damage to the kidneys
Analgesic nephropathy and drugs, when some over-the-counter medications are taken in large quantities and cause kidney damage
Most of these conditions occur over a long period of time and can cause damage to both kidneys. Be aware that even if further deterioration can be stopped, the damage already done is usually permanent. Your doctor can work with you to find the best treatment options for your needs.
February 28, 2008
