Causes Of Kidney Disease

Kidneys are organs the size of fists located on either side of the spine just above the waist, and have very crucial roles to play. First off they cleanse the blood by getting rid of excess fluids and waste, they help in regulating the blood pressure and finally they maintain a healthy balance of minerals and salts in the body. Kidney diseases are caused by a number of different conditions even though in many cases, no one cause can be clearly determined. It's therefore advisable to get the earliest possible diagnosis so that one can learn to manage the condition or better still prevent or delay the onset of kidney disease.

Some of the leading causes of kidney disease include:-

- High blood pressure (hypertension) if is left untreated may apply extra force and damage the glomeruli which is known to filter waste from the blood

- Diabetes mellitus is known to damage tiny blood vessels in the body making it hard for the kidneys to function well

- Glomerulonephritis - this is a kind of inflammatory kidney disease that makes the kidneys leak red blood cells and/or protein in the urine

- Renovascular disease - the disease deposits fats in the arteries hence reducing blood flow towards the kidneys

- Chronic pyelonephritis - this is a chronic kidney infection always as a result of recurrence episodes of urinary tract infections

- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) - this is an immune reaction whereby the body wrongly attacks the kidney tissue

- Polycystic kidney condition, the most common type of inherited kidney disease can also cause kidney disease where cysts filled with fluids form in the kidneys over time resulting in damaged or even failed kidneys

- Obstructive nephropathy - this is a condition whereby urine is blocked and goes back to the kidneys eventually damaging the kidneys

- Inhaling or worst still swallowing certain toxins is also known to make the kidneys slow their functioning or even stop functioning completely. Such toxins include methyl alcohol, poisonous mushrooms, ethylene glycol in antifreeze, and carbon tetrachloride.

- An infection with streptococcal bacteria may also lead to kidney disease

- Some medications or treatments can cause unpredictable effects on the kidneys leading to a sudden decrease in their functioning

- Congenital defects, always present at birth, occurring as a result of urinary tract malformation or obstruction also cause kidney disease.

- Excessive amounts of protein and vitamin D, particularly among the elderly or very ill people may also cause kidney disease.

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