Kidney problem: Why you can have it even though you don’t smoke and indulge in alcohol

 

LAGOS, Nigeria – The mere thought of kidney problem scares a lot of people  as a result of the high cost of treatment and death which are often the end result. Consequently, most people run away from smoking and over indulgence in alcohol.

But do you know that you can still have kidney problem even when you have stayed away from the vices itemized above?  Otherwise, why do children who neither smoke nor indulge in alcoholic beverages come down with kidney issues?

Here are some of the key factors:

Diabetes: This has been seen as a leading cause of chronic kidney disease. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage the kidneys’ blood vessels, impairing their ability to filter waste.

Glomerulonephritis: This is a group of diseases that inflame the kidney’s filtering units (glomeruli). It can be caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or other factors.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): This is an inherited disorder in which cysts grow in the kidneys, eventually leading to kidney failure.

Other Inherited Diseases: Various genetic conditions can  also affect kidney function. This includes  obstruction.

Obstructions:

Kidney stones, tumors, or an enlarged prostate can block the flow of urine, causing kidney damage.

Certain Medications: Long-term use of some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can damage the kidneys. There are also unconfirmed reports that  over dosage of Vitamin C tablets have been linked to kidney failure in patients who neither smokes nor drinks, some doctors have said.

Autoimmune Diseases: Diseases like Lupus can cause kidney damage.

Infections: Kidney infections, if repeated, or severe, can cause lasting kidney damage.

Therefore, while lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking play a role, many other medical conditions can lead to kidney failure. It is important to have regular checkups with your Doctor, and to discuss any family history of kidney disease.