Chronic renal failure---which is also called end-stage renal disease (ESRD)---occurs when your kidneys are no longer able to function on their own. If this happens, excess waste products build up in your body because the kidneys are no longer able to filter this waste from your blood. Though this condition can be managed through dialysis or kidney transplantation in certain cases, chronic renal failure can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing chronic renal failure.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you are at a significantly increased risk of developing chronic renal failure. One-third of people who develop this condition also have diabetes, the University of North Carolina Kidney Center in Chapel Hill reports. If you have diabetes, your body is unable to effectively regulate the level of sugar within your blood. When this occurs, sugar begins to build up within your blood and becomes toxic to body. Diabetes can lead to kidney damage, which increases the risk of developing chronic renal failure. Diabetes management through medication, diet and exercise can help prevent further kidney damage.
High Blood Pressure
The second leading cause of chronic renal failure is high blood pressure, which is also referred to as hypertension. High blood pressure levels can lead to damage within the blood vessels in the kidneys. If this occurs, the kidneys are unable to function normally and cannot effectively filter waste products from the blood. If you have high blood pressure, consider taking medication to help control this condition and prevent damage to the kidneys.
Glomerular Disease
If you have glomerular disease, the blood vessels within your kidneys---called glomeruli---do not function normally. This condition prevents the kidneys from clearing waste, such as excess water or salt, from the body. Glomerular disease can cause blood (hematuria) or excess protein (proteinuria) to be excreted within the urine. If you develop such symptoms, speak with your doctor for further evaluation.
Drug Use
When you take over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), the kidneys clear the toxic byproducts of these medications from your blood to keep your body healthy. Excessive use of these over-the-counter medications can cause toxins to build up within the kidney, which can lead to kidney damage. If you abuse illegal drugs or over-the-counter pain medications, you may be at an increased risk of developing chronic renal failure.
Family History
If you have a family history of kidney disease, you may be at an increased risk of developing kidney failure. If possible, speak with your family members to determine if any of them have kidney-related medical conditions and discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor.
References
- University of North Carolina Kidney Center: End-Stage Renal Disease
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Risk factors for end-stage renal disease: 25-year follow-up; CY Hsu, et. al.; February 2009
- "Kidney International"; Traditional and emerging cardiovascular risk factors in end-stage renal disease; C Zoccali, et. al.; 2003
