Renal disease, also known as kidney disease, is a decline in kidney function that leads to the buildup of waste products and excess fluid in the blood. Signs and symptoms of renal disease include fatigue, itching, nausea, vomiting, easy bruising and a general ill feeling. Several causes of renal disease have been identified and should be considered when renal disease is suspected.
Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to chronic kidney disease and eventual kidney failure. According to the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, it is the most common cause of kidney failure, accounting for approximately 44 percent of new cases of renal disease. As diabetes progresses, kidney function declines and wastes build up in the blood. Albumin and protein leak into the urine, causing kidney filtration to decrease even further. It usually takes 15 to 25 years for a diabetic to develop kidney failure.
High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force of blood against the walls of the body's blood vessels. It can increase when blood vessels are narrow or clogged, or when there is extra fluid in the body. High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, which results in a decline in kidney function. The kidneys are unable to properly remove extra fluid and waste from the blood, which can result in further increases in blood pressure. Since most people with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms, it is important to get regular medical evaluations so that high blood pressure can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible to prevent kidney disease.
Toxic Injury
Because the kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products out of the blood, certain medications and toxins can cause kidney disease. Lead poisoning and poisoning with other heavy metals can cause dangerous amounts of wastes to build up in the blood. Long-term use of drugs, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can also cause toxic injury to the kidneys. When toxic injury occurs, the kidneys are unable to filter wastes in an effective manner.
Urinary Conditions
Urinary conditions that cause urine to back up into the kidneys can lead to kidney disease. Neurogenic bladder is a condition in which the muscles and nerves of the bladder do not work properly, which causes urinary reflux. Urinary reflux is when urine backs up into the kidneys, causing kidney damage. Bladder tumors and an enlarged prostate gland can also block the flow of urine, which leads to urinary reflux. Seek medical attention if you experience pain while urinating or an inability to urinate. Diagnosing the cause of these symptoms early can help to prevent kidney damage.
Kidney Conditions
Several kidney conditions can cause renal disease. Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic condition that causes many cysts to form on the kidneys, which results in kidney enlargement. Pyelonephritis, or kidney infection, can cause inflammation and damage to the kidneys. Chronic kidney infections that lead to lasting damage can be a cause of renal disease. Other kidney conditions that can lead to kidney disease include glomerulonephritis and interstitial nephritis.
