{"id":5768,"date":"2019-04-18T04:48:14","date_gmt":"2019-04-18T04:48:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=5768"},"modified":"2021-03-30T21:30:53","modified_gmt":"2021-03-30T21:30:53","slug":"16-causes-that-lead-to-renal-failure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/16-causes-that-lead-to-renal-failure\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Causes That Lead to Renal Failure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Chronic kidney disease affects over 31-million Americans \u2013 that\u2019s a staggering 10-percent of the population. As a result, chronic kidney disease is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CKD occurs due to a variety of reasons, and if left unmanaged and untreated, CKD can result in renal failure. People with renal failure require managed care to ensure they receive dialysis to clear the waste products from their blood. In most cases, people with renal failure need a kidney transplant to make a full recovery from the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also known as \u201cend-stage renal disease,\u201d or ESRD, renal failure is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment. However, renal failure does not occur overnight. It\u2019s a slow degeneration of the kidneys over time that leads to this life-changing event of renal failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are eight causes of renal failure, and what you can do to reduce your risk of developing CKD.
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1.    Diabetes <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People with diabetes <\/a>suffer from a pancreatic disorder that affects the production of the body. When the body gets its resistance, the pancreas loses its efficiency to produce the hormone. As a result, the affected individual requires an exogenous source of it to maintain their blood glucose levels and prevent themselves from falling into diabetic shock which can result in coma and death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Diabetes is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease and renal failure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the body loses its ability to regulate it effectively, the kidneys take extra a strain trying to filter all the glucose from the bloodstream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to note that it takes years to develop CKD as a result of diabetic issues. The progression of the disease occurs slowly over time, and there is a chance to reverse it through managing your diet and through the use of prescription medications. Speak to your doctor about treatment for your condition.
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2.    Hypertension<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

High blood pressure is the second leading cause of the development of chronic kidney disease. People with high blood pressure run the risk of developing the condition known as, \u201chypertension<\/a>,\u201d where the body remains in an elevated blood pressure state that presents numerous threats to your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with high blood pressure may experience cardiovascular complications related to their condition, and they may also develop kidney disease as well. When blood pressure remains elevated, it increases the size of blood cell walls, making the heart work harder to pump blood around the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This effect also places a strain on the kidneys, and tissues in the kidneys may start to expand to deal with the increased blood flow passing through the organs. If left untreated, high blood pressure can rapidly deteriorate the health of your kidneys, leading to renal failure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors control hypertension through the use of diuretic medication which removes excess water and sodium from the body, reducing blood pressure. Speak to your physician for advice on treating your condition.
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3.    Autoimmune Diseases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are living with autoimmune disease experience dysfunction of the immune system. With autoimmune disorders, the body mistakes healthy tissues <\/a>and organs for invading pathogens. As a result, the immune system produces antibodies and white blood cells that attack the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certain autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and IgA nephropathy can cause chronic kidney disease that leads to renal failure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

IgA nephropathy, also known as Berger\u2019s disease, occurs due to an antibody named, immunoglobulin A (IgA,) lodges in the kidneys. This blockage results in inflammation of the organs that gets progressively worse over time, leading to symptoms of pain in your side and bloody urine. It may take years or even decades for the dysfunction to produce symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lupus is a systemic condition where the immune system attacks all the organs and tissues in the body. Doctors diagnose around 16,000 cases of Lupus each year, and the disease is most likely to occur in women between the age of 15 to 44-years old. There is no treatment for this condition, and patients must learn how to negotiate symptoms.
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4.    Genetics <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your genetics <\/a>may also play a significant role in the development of CKD. Some people are born with degenerative diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease, that place them at a higher risk of developing CKD and renal failure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polycystic kidney disease occurs when fluid-filled cysts start to form in the kidneys. In most cases, the cysts are small in size and number. However, as the patient ages, the cysts may grow larger and occur with higher frequency, leading to symptoms of blood in the urine and pain in your side. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most circumstances, genetic or hereditary diseases have no cure, and you\u2019ll need to manage your condition with the use of medication throughout the course of your life. It\u2019s vital that anyone living with kidney disease maintain a relationship with their doctor. Your doctor will manage your condition through treatment and therapy with drugs and other methods to ensure your longevity.
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5.    Nephrotic Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who are suffering from nephrotic syndrome will experience a collection of symptoms that occur due to extensive kidney damage. Common symptoms of the condition include high levels of blood lipids, protein <\/a>in the urine, low blood albumin levels, and foamy urine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Complications may arise as a result of the massive amount of strain placed on the kidneys and may lead to the development of urinary tract infections, blood clots, and hypertension. The underlying condition causing nephrotic syndrome is damage to the kidneys glomeruli \u2013 a tuft of small blood vessels found inside the kidney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physical symptoms from the development of nephrotic syndrome include swelling in the lower limbs and feet, along with excess fluid retention, and puffy eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice any signs or symptoms of nephrotic syndrome, its best to contact a specialist nephrologist for diagnosis of your condition, and your specialist treats the syndrome symptomatically \u2013 meaning that they treat symptoms as they emerge.
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6.    Urinary Tract Issues<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Infections <\/a>of the urinary tract may also lead to the development of kidney disease. When bacteria enter the urethra, they move up towards the bladder, infecting the urinary tract. Symptoms of urinary tract infection include dark urine, itching, and pain when urinating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most cases of UTI resolve on their own without medical assistance. However, aggressive infections may require treatment with antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should a person experience regular urinary tract infections, then they are at risk of developing kidney disease as well. The bacteria that cause UTI may travel further up the bladder where it causes complications with the health of your kidneys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea cause UTIs that may be unusually aggressive and produce painful symptoms affecting your urinary tract. Speak to your doctor if you find that you are receiving persistent UTI symptoms; your physician may prescribe antibiotics to treat your condition.
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7.    Alcoholism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People with alcohol dependency are at risk of developing numerous health issues. However, alcoholics <\/a>find that they experience the most problems with their liver, kidneys, and digestive system. As a result of continuous exposure to alcohol, the organs may start to develop disease and dysfunction, resulting in eventual renal failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The body has a tough time digesting alcohol as it has plenty of adverse effects on your health. Any alcoholic that experiences \u201calcohol poisoning,\u201d can tell you about the painful symptoms associated with the development of kidney problems or fatty liver disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The only way to reverse the damage caused by alcoholism \u2013 is to stop drinking. However, this is easier said than done, and many alcoholics have a severe dependency on their substance of choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left untreated and unmanaged, kidney disease from alcoholism can progress into the advanced stage, presenting symptoms of renal failures, such as blood in the urine and persistent pain in your lower back.
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8.    Illegal Drug Use<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Using illicit drugs can also create symptoms of kidney disease in some people. Illicit drugs are not like the medications <\/a>your doctor provides. Most illegal drugs come from underground laboratories in someone\u2019s kitchen or bathtub \u2013 and these are not sterile conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, you have no idea what you\u2019re taking or what the substance contains. It\u2019s not like you can depend on your drug dealer to give you an accurate breakdown of the compounds in the drugs you\u2019re buying. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many street drugs are \u201ccut\u201d with dangerous chemicals that can adversely affect your health. The rise of fentanyl on the streets of the United States is also playing a role in drug-related kidney disease as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the drugs enter your bloodstream, the kidneys have the task of filtering the chemicals from your blood, expelling them through your urine. However, if the drugs come mixed with toxic compounds, they place additional strain on the working capacity of your kidneys \u2013 which may result in kidney disease and failure of the organs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Kidney Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The kidneys <\/a>are the body\u2019s filters. These organs remove toxins from the blood and excrete them from the body through your urine. When the kidneys experience infection or dysfunction, they start to lose their filtering efficiency, resulting in an accumulation of harmful particles in the bloodstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This effect results in the development of kidney disease. If left undiagnosed and unmanaged, the patient begins to experience symptoms that are, in some cases, life-threatening. However, most patients with kidney disorders find the treatment they need before they have a chance of any severe complications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients with CKD are at risk of their condition progressing into renal failure. As a result of the kidney’s drop in efficiency, many people with dysfunctional kidneys find they have to visit the clinic anywhere from once a week to once every two weeks for dialysis. The dialysis machine removes the toxins from the person\u2019s blood, reducing the pressure on kidney function.
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10. Circulation Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People with weak circulatory systems have a high risk of developing kidney disease that leads to renal failure. The kidneys require normal blood pressure to maintain optimal functional performance. Both hypertension<\/a>, (high blood pressure,) and low blood pressure, (hypotension,) can lead to irregularities in kidney health and performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reducing blood pressure by eating a healthy diet and removing unhealthy items from your daily menu will go a long way to helping your kidneys deal with eliminating toxins from your blood. Tossing out the refined sugar snacks from your meals is an excellent start to improving your kidney health by boosting your circulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The circulatory system is responsible for maintaining metabolic function, and any changes to its capacity to pump blood around the body harm our health. Poor cardiovascular health leads to a slew of adverse conditions. As a result, people who experience cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks, may also be at high risk of developing renal failure.
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11. Heart Attack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As previously mentioned, patients who experience a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack<\/a>, are at risk of going into renal failure as well. When blood flow to the kidneys comes to a halt, the tissues in the organs begin to turn necrotic and dies, putting the person at risk of entering renal failure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, doctors can restore heart and kidney function in the patient. However, the recovery depends on the severity of the cardiovascular event, and in some cases, the patient may experience some lasting damage to their kidneys, resulting in the development of chronic kidney disease, (CKD,) and the need for a kidney transplant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the first qualifying questions a doctor asks during diagnosis for kidney dysfunction is whether the patient is currently dealing with any issues concerning their heart health. The physician takes a history of cardiovascular problems into account for their recommendations on future treatment.
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12. Unmanaged Healthcare for Seniors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, millions of seniors across the United States, live in conditions of poverty. These forgotten souls do not have access to medical care or facilities to help them monitor the status of their health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of neglect, these seniors may start to develop signs of kidney dysfunction and disease, and remain undiagnosed for their condition. Seniors have weakened immune systems due to the aging process and metabolic slowdown. As a result, changes in their health can occur over short periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seniors who are living with CKD and remain undiagnosed are at risk of developing renal failure during the advanced stages of the disease. Seniors <\/a>who do not receive managed care after diagnosis also run the risk of developing complications with their CKD that may lead to renal failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, there seems to be no stopping the rate of seniors living outside of managed care in their twilight years. As a result, we can expect to see a rise in kidney-related mortality rates in the coming years.
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13. Lack of Exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While not a direct cause of renal failure, a lack of physical activity contributes to the development of CKD in adults. People who maintain levels of activity through sports or working out are far healthier. Exercising stimulates the cardiovascular system, increasing metabolic rate while improving organ health and function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The additional boost to circulation also increases the kidney’s ability to remove toxins from the bloodstream<\/a>, keeping you free from disease and full of energy throughout the day. People that choose not to exercise, and instead live a sedentary lifestyle, run the risk of losing their cardiovascular health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result, circulation decliners, and the body starts to feel the effects of diminished cardiovascular capacity. Exercise serves as a means to reduce stress levels as well. Many patients may begin to develop autoimmune disorders, such as adrenal fatigue that diminish their physical and mental health as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left unmanaged and untreated, the effects of a sedentary lifestyle may lead to the onset of kidney disease and renal failure.
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14. Poor Diet Choices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, renal failure does not occur all at once. The dysfunction occurs as a response to years of poor kidney health brought about by the onset of CKD. Chronic kidney disease is another disorder brought about by poor lifestyle choices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people who are living with CKD have problems with alcohol, smoking, or eating junk food and candy while drinking sugary sodas. These types of diet choices place the body in an acidic environment, decreasing pH levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By eating alkaline <\/a>foods and drinking alkaline water, you can reverse the body\u2019s acidity, providing a healthy environment for your organs to thrive. Toss out all of the refined carbohydrates, like flour and sugar, from your pantry. These carbs create GI inflammation that results in digestive distress and the assimilation of toxins into the bloodstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eat whole grains and sprouts. Focus on vegetables that contain high quantities of fiber, and avoid veggies like beets that are high in oxalates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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