What Causes Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is a debilitating and potentially life-threatening condition that affects millions of people. According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 37 million American adults are affected by kidney disease, and the risk for the condition increases with age. Understanding the causes of kidney disease can help people take preventive measures and lead a healthier life.
Life Habits and Exposure
There are many lifestyle-related causes of kidney disease, such as smoking, high salt intake, high alcohol consumption, overeating, long periods of sitting or lying down, and lack of exercise. These habits can increase the risk of kidney disease by causing high blood pressure and diabetes, which can damage the kidneys. Certain environmental exposures can also increase the risk of kidney disease. Chemicals used in production, such as benzene, ethylene oxide, and toluene, can also damage the kidneys when present in the air or in drinking water.
Inherited Conditions
In some cases, kidney disease can be caused by inherited conditions, such as polycystic kidney disease and Alport Syndrome. Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder where cysts grow in the kidneys, causing them to be unable to filter waste products properly. Alport Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the filtering membranes of the kidneys, causing blood and protein to be lost in urine. It can also cause hearing difficulties.
Medical Conditions
There are a number of medical conditions that can lead to kidney disease. Uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease can all cause damage to the kidneys, as can certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and HIV/AIDS. Kidney infections, such as pyelonephritis, can cause damage to the organ, as well as certain medications, including certain types of antibiotics, NSAIDs, and ACE inhibitors.
Conclusion
Kidney disease is a serious condition, and an understanding of the causes of the disease is important for those who want to reduce their risk. In some cases it is caused by life habits that can be remedied, while in other cases it is caused by inherited or medical conditions. Therefore, it is important to adopt healthy lifestyle choices and know one’s family history, as well as consult a doctor when any medical conditions present themselves.