When the kidneys become damaged, they are unable to filter waste from the blood. This is known as kidney failure, which can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Several medical conditions and chemicals can cause kidney failure in children and adults. Understanding the causes of kidney failure can help you avoid risky behaviors and seek treatment for medical conditions that can cause kidney damage.
Heart Dysfunction
The kidneys rely on normal blood flow to function normally. When the heart is not functioning normally, circulation is compromised, and blood flow to the kidneys is limited. This can be caused by birth defects in the heart or conditions that develop in adulthood.
Extreme Hypotension
Severe hypotension, or very low blood pressure, can prevent blood from reaching the kidneys. This condition can be caused by severe bleeding, dehydration, shock and infections in the bloodstream. Severe hypotension can also follow a traumatic injury caused by motor vehicle accidents or occupational accidents.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
According to the Mayo Clinic, hemolytic uremic syndrome is the most common cause of acute kidney failure in children. This condition is associated with E. coli bacteria and produces a toxin that causes the blood vessels to swell. When the small blood vessels in the kidneys swell, they can become damaged. This causes the red blood cells to break apart as they travel through the damaged vessels, reducing blood supply to the kidneys.
Low Blood Volume
Low blood volume, also known as hypovolemia, is caused by severe dehydration. When someone is dehydrated, the amount of blood in the body is reduced. This reduction causes the kidneys to receive less blood than normal, causing kidney damage and leading to kidney failure if untreated.
Kidney Inflammation
Acute interstitial nephritis is an inflammation of the spaces between the kidney tubules. This condition often occurs as a result of an allergic reaction to a drug. Drugs that cause these reactions include ibuprofen, aspirin, gentamycin and streptomycin. Acute glomerulonephritis is a condition caused by inflammation of the glomeruli, which help the kidneys filter the blood. This can be caused by viral infections, autoimmune diseases and bacterial infections. Both conditions can cause reduced blood supply to the kidneys.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which cholesterol deposits form on the inner walls of the arteries. These deposits can break apart and enter the bloodstream, accumulating in the capillaries of the kidneys. This diminishes blood supply and causes kidney failure. Kidney failure caused by these deposits is known as atheroembolic kidney disease.
Urinary Obstructions
If urine is unable to pass out of the body, it can lead to kidney failure. Ureter obstructions can be caused by urinary stones or the narrowing of a ureter. If a tumor is putting pressure on the ureters, this can also block the flow of urine out of the body. Bladder obstructions can also cause acute kidney failure. This can be caused by bladder stones, blood clots, nerve disorders, tumors or an enlarged prostate gland.
Toxins
The kidneys are particularly vulnerable to toxins and high doses of drugs. High levels of alcohol and cocaine can cause kidney damage that leads to kidney failure. Heavy metals, fuels and solvents can accumulate in the bloodstream and cause kidney failure. People who are at risk for kidney failure can also be affected by contrast dyes used in imaging studies and certain types of chemotherapy drugs.
