Causes of Kidney Diseases

Causes of Kidney Diseases

Kidney diseases can be classified into two main categories: acute kidney problems, which refer to a sudden loss of kidney function, and chronic kidney disease, characterized by a persistent impairment of kidney function lasting more than three months. The causes of each type are outlined below:

Causes of Acute Kidney Disease

The causes of acute kidney conditions, commonly referred to as acute renal failure, can be summarized as follows:

• Reduced blood flow to the kidneys, which can occur in situations such as:
  • Dehydration.
  • Hemorrhage.
  • Burn injuries.
  • Surgical procedures.
  • Traumatic kidney injuries.
  • Septic shock.
  • Hypotension.
• Blood clots in the renal blood vessels, which may arise from conditions including:
  • Malignant hypertension.
  • Idiopathic thrombocytopenic thrombotic purpura.
  • Hemolytic uremic syndrome.
  • Scleroderma.
• Other causes:
  • Infections, such as sepsis and pyelonephritis.
  • Use of certain medications.
  • Autoimmune kidney diseases, like acute nephritic syndrome.
  • Urinary tract obstruction.

Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease

Several factors can lead to chronic kidney disease, including the following:

• Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
• Hypertension.
• Polycystic kidney disease.
• Chronic viral infections, such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
• Autoimmune disorders affecting the kidneys.
• Pyelonephritis and urinary tract infections.
• Glomerulonephritis.

Risk Factors

Various risk factors contribute to the development of kidney diseases, including:

• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Advanced age, particularly individuals aged 60 and above.
• Family history of kidney disease.
• Previous kidney problems.
• Ethnicity, with Indigenous Australians at greater risk.
• History of heart failure, heart attacks, or strokes.