Renal disease, also called chronic renal insufficiency or chronic kidney disease, is a serious condition that can have life-threatening consequences. Catching this disease before it can cause serious kidney damage involves knowing its risk factors so that a physician can regularly conduct tests to determine if kidney function has declined. The earlier this disease is detected, the more treatment options a person has available.
Hypertension
According to the Medical Education Institute, hypertension is one of the major risk factors for renal disease. Because the kidneys filter uremic waste from the blood, they rely heavily on healthy blood vessels to continue functioning well. Hypertension causes the heart to pump blood with greater force, which can damage the blood vessels. Damaged blood vessels can lead to a decrease in kidney function, making it more difficult for the kidneys to filter wastes and maintain the body's fluid balance.
Diabetes
The Medical Education Institute cites diabetes as the fastest-growing risk factor for developing renal disease. According to the National Kidney Foundation, diabetes damages the small blood vessels that go to the kidneys. When these blood vessels are damaged, the kidneys retain extra water and sodium, leading to swelling and difficulty in eliminating waste products from the body.
Race
Some risk factors for renal disease cannot be eliminated. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), a person's race can affect whether renal disease develops. Races that are at a higher risk for renal disease include Hispanic Americans, American Indians and African Americans. In African Americans, the risk is four times greater than in white Americans.
Medical History
There are a number of medical conditions that can be risk factors for renal disease. The Medical Education Institute lists urinary blockages, inflammation of the kidneys' filtering tubes and immune responses to infections. Some people are born with defects that cause urine to back up into the kidneys. This damages the kidneys and creates scar tissue, making it more likely that a person will develop renal disease. Inflammation of the filtering tubes and immune responses to infection can also lead to scarring of the delicate kidney tissue.
Genetics
Family history plays an important role in whether someone will develop renal disease. According to the Medical Education Institute, people who have family members with chronic kidney disease or who are on dialysis are at greater risk for developing the disease. A family history of diabetes and high blood pressure can also contribute to the development of chronic renal disease.
Kidney Trauma
Kidney trauma can occur as the result of an accident or overuse or abuse of over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen have been known to lead to kidney inflammation that can increase the risk for renal disease. Allergic reactions to antibiotics can also lead to inflammation of the kidneys and eventual kidney disease. Physical trauma includes injuries sustained in auto accidents and during surgical procedures. This type of trauma can reduce the flow of blood to the kidneys and result in renal disease.
