Diabetes:
Almost 40% of new dialysis patients have diabetes, making it the fastest growing risk factor for kidney disease. Type 2 diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure, responsible for more than one of every three new cases.
What we can do: Kidney disease does not have to happen to people with diabetes—good blood pressure and blood sugar control can help prevent it. Tight control can have big payoffs in reducing the risk for kidney disease.
High Blood Pressure:
High blood pressure puts more stress on blood vessels throughout the body, including the kidney filters (nephrons). Hypertension is the number two cause of kidney failure. Normal blood pressure is less than 130/85—and this is the target for people who have diabetes, heart disease, or CKD. Weight control, exercise, and medications can control blood pressure—and perhaps prevent or slow the progress from kidney disease to kidney failure.
What we can do: Blood pressure pills must be taken as prescribed to work properly. If you can't afford to buy your blood pressure pills or have side effects, tell your doctor so he or she can suggest other options for you. Certain classes of blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), or beta blockers may help protect the kidneys in some cases.
Blockages:
Scarring from infections or a malformed lower urinary tract system (birth defect) can force urine to back up into the kidney and damage it. Blood clots or plaques of cholesterol that block the kidney's blood vessels can reduce blood flow to the kidney and cause damage. Repeated kidney stones can block the flow of urine from the kidney and are another kind of obstruction that can damage the kidneys.
What we can do: Sometimes blockages can be repaired or opened to help save function in a blocked kidney and kidney stones can be treated. If you know or suspect that you may have a blockage, ask your doctor what can be done about it.
Overuse of Painkillers and Allergic Reactions to Antibiotics:
Heavy use of painkillers containing ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®), or acetaminophen (Tylenol®) have been linked to interstitial nephritis, a kidney inflammation that can lead to kidney failure. A new study suggests that ordinary use of painkillers (e.g., one pill per day) is not harmful in men who are not at risk for kidney disease. Allergic reactions to—or side effects of—antibiotics like penicillin and vancomycin may also cause nephritis and kidney damage.
What we can do: If you routinely take these medications, be sure that your doctor is aware of it—especially if you already have a known kidney problem. When you are taking a new medication, report any new symptoms to your doctor.
Drug Abuse:
Use of certain nonprescription drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, can damage the kidneys, and may lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis.
What we can do: If you are using these drugs, know that they can harm your health and seek help to stop. Be honest with your doctor about your medical history—he or she can't help you without knowing the full story.
Inflammation:
Certain illnesses, like glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the filtering units of the kidneys), can damage the kidneys, sometimes enough to cause CKD. Some glomerulonephritis is inherited, and some may be an immune response to infections like strep throat.
What we can do: Having a throat culture for bad sore throats, and treating any strep infection, lowers this risk.
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