When kidneys are damaged?
Unfortunately, kidneys are damaged for reasons sometimes known to us but many times unknown. Many a times they lose their function slowly and silently. When we sense odds, it’s too late. How and why are kidneys damaged? I would categorize those causes into hereditary (runs in family), congenital (birth defect), metabolic diseases (diabetes), hypertension, infections, toxins and inflammatory. To simplify, hereditary means due to genetic defect some diseases effects kidneys like cysts in kidneys, autosomal dominant or recessive polycystic kidney diseases (ADPKD/ ARPKD). If there is someone in family who has such disease that can it is easier to screen other family members. Children, even new born babies who have difficulties to urinate is an early indicator of kidney damages. Diabetes is the commonest cause of kidney disease. In simplified classification there are two types of diabetes, Insulin dependent diabetes and non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Healthy life style can prevent the second category of diabetes. It is strongly recommended that kidney function should be monitored from the day of diagnosis of diabetes. However, in reality it is very common to see unawareness among patients and many primary care physicians to ignore this basic and simple step. Hypertension is very common in population more in urban than rural areas. Long standing and uncontrolled blood pressure can progressively damage kidneys. There are many infections like urinary tract infection, malaria, tuberculosis, viral infections like hepatitis B, C, HIV can damage kidneys in short term or long term. There are many immunological diseases which can cause kidney diseases. Some, progress over years where some quickly in weeks. Kidney stone disease in long term can damage kidneys. Many drugs like pain killers, acidity medicines (PPI) are common culprits. Heart disease and liver disease silently damage kidneys as a by stander.