Causes of Renal Failure

Degenerative Conditions Invoke Compromise to Kidneys

Nov 13, 2009 Demetria Bagner

Renal failure can be caused by a number of prominent and degenerative precursors, stressors, and diseases.

Renal failure, a physically and biochemically degenerative condition in itself, can be caused by an array of other life-threatening complications and conditions. Its onset may occur suddenly, as typical of acute renal failure or regressively over a period of time (months or years), as customary with chronic renal failure.

Catalysts which bear the potential to trigger a downward spiral in kidney function have been disclosed here (briefly), yet this outline is not all-inclusive.

Severe Dehydration Causes Kidneys Stress

Severe dehydration may be due to poor fluid intake; excessive diarrhea, fever, sweating, and vomiting. Some medications (like diuretics), may also induce excessive fluid loss and thereby invoke undue stress on the kidneys.

Chronic Diabetes is a Major Cause of Renal Failure

Chronic diabetes mellitus, otherwise known as “sugar diabetes” is due to long-term unregulated blood glucose levels. It includes:

Type 1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the pancreas’ insulin production is inadequate for the body.

In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas produces adequate insulin for the body but the body is unable to process it.

Acute and Chronic Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease which results in the occurrence of blood and protein in the urine and a decrease in urine output. This is a disease of the glomeruli capillaries in which they become damaged or inflamed, thus interfering with the kidney’s natural ability to filter and remove excess waste and fluid from the body. A compromised immune system as well as other diseases and unknown causes can give rise to glomerulonephritis. Glomerulonephritis may be detected by urinalysis and confirmed through renal biopsy.

Chronic Hypertension is a Major Cause of Renal Failure

Hypertension (a.k.a. high blood pressure) is a condition in which a person’s systolic pressure and diastolic pressure are above 140 mmHg and 90 mmHg respectively, for prolong periods of time.

Renal Failure From Hypovolemia

Hypovolemia is a condition of low blood volume within the body. It may develop because of severe blood loss (resulting from a tragic accident or injury, etc.) and can bring about a lack of blood supply to the kidneys.

Kidney and Bladder Stones Can Block Urine Flow

Kidney stones and bladder stones are comprised of mineral deposits which precipitate out of urine and form stones. These stones may block and hinder the flow of urine within the urinary tract and could potentially result in obstructive uropathy or reflux nephropathy.

Medications and Renal Failure

Some medications though helpful for other areas of the body, may stress the kidneys causing them harm and toxicosis.

Diuretics
Regular use of analgesics (aspirin, acetaminophen)
Lithium

Multiple Myeloma Incites Renal Failure

Multiple myeloma causes the kidneys to be more susceptible to infection and disease. This condition is often referred to by several other names, such as: cancer of blood plasma cells, cancer of white blood cells, cancer of the immune system or cancer of bone marrow.

Obstructive Uropathy Damages Kidneys

Obstructive uropathy is an obstruction of urine flow from the ureters or the bladder, resulting in damage to the kidneys. This condition may be caused by enlarged prostate (in men), bladder cystocele, tumors and a host of other disorders and chronic diseases found in both men and women.

Defects From Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a chromosomal (non-sex type) disease caused by several dominant and recessive genetic defects. PKD is responsible for a variety of kidney defects and deformities.

Prostate Disease May Precede Renal Failure

Prostate disease impedes the healthy production of semen (semi-produced) by the prostate gland found in men. This disease may also lead to renal failure.

Reflux Nephropathy Scars Kidneys

Reflux nephropathy is the unnatural, backward flow of urine into the kidneys. This condition may occur as a result of obstructive uropathy and can cause scarring or other damage to the kidneys.

Renal Toxicity From Rhabdomyolysis

In rhabdomyolysis (a hefty breakdown of muscle tissue), myoglobin (which happens to be toxic to kidneys) is released from the muscle cells as they break down. Rhabdomyolysis may stem from a number of biological, chemical or physical impairments and complications.

Sepsis is a Renal Detriment

Sepsis (a.k.a. blood poisoning) is an infection of the blood stream or other tissues in the body. It is caused by an unhealthy accumulation of pathogens or other toxins in the body. This condition is an absolute detriment to the kidneys.

It’s apparent that the catalysts which trigger renal failure are abundant and can occur simultaneously or even be intertwined. Diabetes and high blood pressure have become infamous for being the leading, known causes of reduced kidney function and ultimately, renal failure. It is important however, to remain conscious of the other varied agents which have harmful and toxicological effects on the kidneys.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only. It does not take the place of a doctor’s advice. Before making decisions regarding your health, seek the consultation of a well-trained, medical professional.

Sources

The copyright of the article Causes of Renal Failure in General Medicine is owned by Demetria Bagner. Permission to republish Causes of Renal Failure in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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