The kidneys are known as the filters of the body, and they remove harmful substances and reabsorb valuable nutrients and gases. Renal failure is the condition that develops when this system becomes compromised. Over time, this can prove harmful to the body, as substances build up in the body which can become toxic. Sodium is a natural body substance which increases in renal failure. Urea is a substance that forms as a result of protein breakdown. The kidneys allow the body to excrete urea, during kidney failure, increased levels of urea convert to ammonia, which affect the brain and can cause death. According to Penn State University, chronic renal failure is more commonly seen in middle age and elderly men.
Urine Obstruction
Any condition or disease that affects the outflow of urine can lead to renal failure. This can occur in people with cystic kidneys, commonly known as kidney stones, which compromise the functioning of the kidneys. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which occurs in elderly men, can also block the flow of urine from the kidneys. Over time, this cycle can result in chronic renal failure.
Heart Failure
In heart failure, there supply of blood to the kidneys decreases. The kidneys requires a certain amount of blood in order to function, so over time, heart failure if left untreated, can result in chronic renal failure. The kidneys are also responsible for reabsorption of nutrients and gases, so a drop in blood flow, affects this process. Severe injury to the kidneys can also cause a drop in blood flow.
Diseases and Medications
According to the Mayo Clinic, several diseases can result in chronic renal failure over a prolonged period. Such diseases include diabetes, which results in increased water volume within the kidneys. This increases the workload of the kidneys, and can eventually lead to chronic renal failure.
Patients on chemotherapy can also develop renal failure as the by products of the chemotherapy drugs are toxic, and can cause kidney obstruction.
Long term use of aspirin and acetaminophen can cause chronic renal failure. Aspirin inhibits the production of a chemical substance which increases blood flow to the kidneys. Acetaminophen produces high levels of toxic substances which cause kidney damage.
