What Causes Kidney Failure?

Published on: October 4, 2017

Kidneys are the filters of the body, removing toxins from the blood and helping balance the body’s fluids. When kidney failure occurs, your blood pressure, immune system, heart and overall health is affected. It can lead to other systems shutting down and even death.  There can be many contributing factors that cause kidney failure; it may be one major problem or several smaller issues that combine to affect these vital organs. Here are some of the top causes of kidney failure:

  • Injury or damage to the kidneys
  • Drug use
  • Severe infection or sepsis
  • Dehydration
  • Obstruction in the renal arteries
  • Diabetes
  • Urinary blockage

Kidney failure can happen quickly, in as little as two days, or it can progress over time. Damage or trauma from injury or exposure to toxins can cause quick failure, while health issues can slowly cause damage to the kidneys. Unfortunately, many signs of kidney problems are misdiagnosed. Some of the symptoms can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Bruising
  • Decreased appetite or nausea, stomach pain and unexplained weight loss
  • Heart murmur or high blood pressure
  • Water retention, including leg swelling
  • Bloody stools

Kidney issues can be genetic or caused from health or lifestyle factors. If you have a history of kidney problems in your family, it is important to share this information with your doctor. If you begin to experience any of the symptoms associated with kidney disease or failure, you should seek the help of a kidney specialist. The connection between the vascular system and the kidneys is often a factor in kidney failure – seeking medical care from a vascular surgeon that specializes in kidney care can ensure you get a correct diagnosis and the right treatment.

Posted on behalf of:
Alan Benvenisty, MD
1090 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10025
212-523-4706

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