What can lead to CKD? A glance at Etiology.

           

So far we have discussed what Chronic Kidney Disease is, and its epidemiology… but what causes CKD? As I previously mentioned, Chronic Kidney Disease is a result of impaired glomerular and tubular filtration within our kidneys. So, to discover what ultimately results in CKD, we have to look at factors that would affect those natural filters. The two major causes that lead to Chronic Kidney Disease are Diabetes and Hypertension, both affecting our bloodstream and vessels, and consequently, our kidneys' ability to filter properly.

1. Diabetes is a disease in which the body is unable to effectively manage its blood glucose levels due to an inability to produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that lowers blood glucose levels, so in it's absence, the BG in our blood is very high. These high levels damage our blood vessels if not managed correctly, and eventually begin to impair our kidney function as well if the problem persists over time. The lack of function will, in turn, lead to Chronic Kidney Disease.

2. The second problem that contributes to CKD, is hypertension, or high blood pressure. The constant pressure of blood on our vessels is another way in which they can begin to get damaged. Once those vessels get damaged in our kidneys, once again the kidneys will begin to lose function. Often, blood pressure rises as a result of Chronic Kidney Disease, so that can further damage kidney function even when another medical condition may have initially caused the disease.

Although those are the two main factors contribution to CKD's etiology, there are several other conditions that can damage the kidneys. Some (but not all) of these conditions include:

• Kidneys diseases/ infections such as polycystic kidney disease, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, or other conditions you may have been born with.
• Damaged renal arteries. The renal artery carries blood to the kidneys, so narrowing or blockage of this artery can impair kidney function.
• Certain medicines that may cause damage to kidneys. For example, ibuprofen, NSAIDS, or certain antibiotics.

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