Causes of Kidney Failure

There are two different types of kidney failure, acute and chronic. Each one may have different causes, but ultimately result from the kidneys not functioning correctly. The kidneys are vitally important to everyday health, so it’s important to know the different causes so you can avoid making mistakes that could harm your health or even cost you your life.

Acute Kidney Failure
When the loss of kidney function occurs quickly over several hours or days, it’s called acute kidney failure.  Acute kidney failure occurs when your kidneys suddenly become unable to filter wastes from your blood. It can also occur when something suddenly injuries your kidneys, restricting or slowing blood flow. Other causes of acute kidney failure include:

• The inability to filter wastes from your kidneys through your urine.
• A traumatic injury that causes blood loss or reduction of blood flow to the kidneys.
• Eclampsia, pre-eclampsia caused by pregnancy.
• Breakdown of muscle tissue caused by the lack of fluid intake during marathons or other athletic events.

Chronic Kidney Failure
Loss of kidney function that lasts longer than 3 months is considered chronic kidney failure. Chronic kidney failure is specifically risky because symptoms may not arise until considerable damage has already been done. There are many possible causes of chronic kidney failure.

• High blood pressure (hypertension), typically takes a few years to have effects.
• Conditions that effect the immune system, such as viral illnesses like AIDS/HIV, hepatitis b and hepatitis c.
• Severe kidney infections which cause scarring.
• Urinary tract obstruction or other malformations that are caused by congenital defects, which are present at birth.
• Drug and toxin use, including “street drugs”, over-the-counter drugs and prescribed drugs. Or long-term exposure to harmful chemicals.