Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease
Causes of chronic kidney disease are primarily linked to conditions that damage the kidneys’ filtering units over time. The most prevalent contributors to chronic kidney disease are diabetes and hypertension, but several other diseases and lifestyle factors also play a significant role.
1. Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of CKD worldwide. Prolonged high blood sugar damages the delicate filtration system in the kidneys, allowing protein to leak into the urine and eventually impairing kidney function. Strict glycaemic control is essential to prevent or delay kidney damage in diabetics.
2. Hypertension | Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease
High blood pressure can damage the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, making them less efficient. Over time, untreated or poorly controlled hypertension accelerates kidney decline and increases the risk of heart disease, another major CKD complication.
3. Glomerulonephritis
This condition involves inflammation of the glomeruli — the small filters in the kidneys. It can be acute or chronic and may result from infections, autoimmune diseases, or unknown causes. Chronic glomerulonephritis is a significant contributor to ESRD in younger individuals.
4. Polycystic Kidney Disease
An inherited condition, PKD causes numerous fluid-filled cysts to develop in the kidneys, enlarging them and damaging surrounding tissue. Although the disease often remains asymptomatic for years, it typically progresses to CKD and, in many cases, ESRD.
5. Urinary Tract Obstruction
Obstruction of urine flow — due to kidney stones, tumours, an enlarged prostate, or congenital defects — increases pressure within the kidney and leads to scarring. Chronic obstruction without proper treatment often results in permanent damage.
6. Recurrent Infections | Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease
Frequent kidney infections, or pyelonephritis, can cause long-term inflammation and scarring. In children, recurrent UTIs due to vesicoureteral reflux may also result in CKD if left untreated.
7. Autoimmune Disorders
Conditions such as lupus and vasculitis can directly target kidney tissue, leading to inflammation, fibrosis, and eventually kidney failure if not aggressively treated.
8. Prolonged Medication Use
Overuse of NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), certain antibiotics, and some chemotherapy agents are known to be nephrotoxic. Regular monitoring of renal function is advised in patients requiring long-term use of such medications.
9. Lifestyle and Environmental Factors | Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease
Obesity, smoking, poor diet, and exposure to environmental toxins (e.g., lead, mercury) can accelerate kidney damage and worsen the effects of other risk factors.
By identifying the causes of chronic kidney disease, healthcare providers can develop targeted prevention and management plans. Public health initiatives aimed at controlling diabetes and hypertension are especially critical for reducing the global burden of CKD.
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