Kidneys filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. When damaged, they can't perform this function effectively. Over time, kidney damage can eventually lead to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure. Several factors can harm these organs over time.

Medical conditions

Many uncontrolled medical conditions can cause kidney damage.

Kidney diseases: Over time, kidney diseases can directly damage kidney tissue, leading to decreased kidney function. Some common types include urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, and polycystic kidney disease. Conditions affecting the kidney's filtering units include glomerulonephritis, HIV-associated nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, hydronephrosis, and kidney cancer.

Diabetes: When the body can't produce insulin or use it effectively, blood sugar levels rise. High blood sugar over time damages blood vessels and the kidneys' filtering ability. Many people with diabetes also have high blood pressure, which further weakens the kidneys.

Heart disease: Heart conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias affect the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently. The kidneys don't receive enough oxygen-rich blood, leading to problems. Conversely, kidney disease can also increase strain on the heart, creating a complex and often interconnected relationship between the two organs.

High blood pressure: This condition occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is too high, potentially harming the kidneys and leading to chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure. The damage occurs because high blood pressure affects the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter blood effectively.

Lupus: This is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissues. Lupus affecting the kidneys can cause lupus nephritis. The immune system attacking the kidneys can impair their function and eventually lead to chronic kidney disease.

Medication overuse

Some medications can be harmful to the kidneys. The mechanisms by which medications affect the kidneys include damage to the renal tubules, the structures that remove waste from the blood. Some medications also return essential substances to the kidneys, contributing to interstitial nephritis and reducing the filtration rate. Some typical medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), proton pump inhibitors, and certain antibiotics. If you are concerned about the side effects of medications on your kidneys, talk to your doctor and always take medications as directed.

Obesity

Obesity is a chronic condition in which excess body fat exceeds safe levels. Obese individuals often have other accompanying conditions that increase the risk of kidney damage, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Physical trauma

Physical trauma can directly impact the kidneys. Blood loss or fluid buildup due to trauma can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, leading to acute kidney injury. Those who experience such trauma have a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

Bao Bao (Healthline)