Important! Here Are 10 Causes of Kidney Failure to Watch Out For

September 13, 2026 at 06:28 AM· 12 min readAI-assisted

Causes of kidney failure do not always originate from the habit of drinking less or eating too much salty food.

Diabetes and hypertension are actually the two main causes of chronic kidney disease in adults.

However, kidney damage can also result from infections, urinary tract obstructions, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications.

The problem is, kidney disease often develops without clear symptoms in the early stages.

WHO states that kidney disease may not show symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage.

So, waiting for back pain is not a good early detection strategy.

The kidneys are not like car alarms that always sound when there is a problem.

What is Meant by Kidney Failure?

The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood.

This organ also helps maintain mineral balance, regulate blood pressure, and perform other bodily functions.

Kidney failure occurs when kidney function declines so severely that the organ cannot work adequately.

This condition can occur gradually or suddenly.

Chronic Kidney Failure

Chronic kidney disease or chronic kidney disease develops over a long period.

The damage can last for months to years.

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of chronic kidney failure in adults.

Chronic kidney disease that continues to worsen can progress to kidney failure.

Acute Kidney Injury

Unlike chronic conditions, acute kidney injury or AKI can develop within hours to a few days.

Triggers for AKI include severe dehydration, sepsis, bleeding, certain medications, and urinary tract obstructions.

Some patients can recover.

However, severe AKI can also cause permanent damage and increase the risk of chronic kidney disease.

10 Causes of Kidney Failure to Watch Out For

Not all of the following factors directly cause the kidneys to stop working.

Some cause gradual damage that can eventually lead to kidney failure.

Here are 10 causes of kidney failure and their triggering diseases that need to be recognized.

1. Uncontrolled Diabetes

Diabetes ranks at the top when discussing causes of kidney failure.

Long-term high blood sugar levels can damage small blood vessels and the filtering system in the kidneys.

NIDDK cites diabetes as the most common cause of chronic kidney disease in adults.

Damage from diabetes is called diabetic kidney disease or diabetic nephropathy.

The process usually does not happen overnight.

The damage can develop slowly over the years.

Why Does High Blood Sugar Damage the Kidneys?

The kidneys have millions of small filtering units.

Consistently high glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in this filtering system.

As a result, it becomes increasingly difficult for the kidneys to filter blood normally.

Proteins like albumin may also start leaking into the urine.

What Can Be Done?

People with diabetes need to control their blood sugar according to targets set by healthcare professionals.

Regular kidney function tests are also important.

Blood and urine tests can detect damage before symptoms become apparent.

2. High Blood Pressure or Hypertension

Hypertension is another very important cause of kidney failure.

High blood pressure can narrow and damage blood vessels in the kidneys.

When blood vessels are damaged, blood flow to kidney tissue is also disrupted.

The kidneys then find it increasingly difficult to remove waste and excess fluid.

The problem can turn into a rather frustrating cycle.

Damaged kidneys can worsen blood pressure, while hypertension accelerates kidney damage.

Hypertension Often Goes Unnoticed

High blood pressure often does not produce typical complaints.

A person can feel healthy while their blood pressure slowly adds extra work to the kidneys.

Therefore, blood pressure checks are an important part of preventing kidney disease.

Especially in people with diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or a family history of kidney disease.

3. Glomerulonephritis and Glomerular Diseases

The glomerulus is the part of the kidney that functions to filter blood.

If this part becomes inflamed or damaged, the kidney's ability to filter waste can decrease.

This group of diseases is known as glomerular diseases.

Examples include IgA nephropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

Glomerular diseases can develop into chronic kidney disease and even kidney failure.

The Ministry of Health also includes kidney inflammation as one of the common kidney diseases found.

What Are the Signs?

Some people experience foamy urine due to protein in the urine.

Bloody urine, swelling, and high blood pressure can also occur.

However, glomerular diseases can also develop for a long time without noticeable complaints.

Therefore, laboratory tests still play an important role.

4. Autoimmune Diseases like Lupus

The immune system is supposed to protect the body from threats.

However, in autoimmune diseases, the body's defense system can attack its own tissues.

Lupus is one example.

When lupus attacks the kidneys, this condition is known as lupus nephritis.

Inflammation can damage the glomerulus and eventually disrupt kidney function.

WHO also includes glomerulonephritis and some immune system disorders as causes of chronic kidney disease.

Therefore, patients with autoimmune diseases usually require regular organ monitoring.

Not just to see if the joints are hurting or not.

5. Polycystic Kidney Disease and Genetic Factors

Some causes of kidney failure originate from genetic factors.

One important example is polycystic kidney disease or polycystic kidney disease.

PKD causes many fluid-filled cysts to grow in the kidneys.

Cysts can enlarge the size of the kidneys and gradually reduce their function.

PKD is one form of chronic kidney disease that can progress to kidney failure.

This means a person can have a risk even if their diet seems quite healthy.

Family History is Important to Note

A family history of kidney disease is a risk factor for chronic kidney disease.

Inform your doctor if your parents or siblings have hereditary kidney disease.

Family information often seems simple, but it can help determine the need for earlier examinations.

6. Kidney Infections or Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections do not always damage the kidneys.

Most can be treated without causing permanent damage.

However, infections that ascend to the kidneys can cause pyelonephritis.

Recurrent kidney infections can cause long-term damage in some people.

The Ministry of Health also includes urinary tract infections or recurrent kidney infections as factors that increase the risk of kidney disease.

Therefore, do not consider pain during urination as a bodily drama that can always be ignored.

Persistent infections need to be evaluated.

Beware of Severe Infections

High fever, chills, back pain, nausea, and urinary disturbances can occur in kidney infections.

These symptoms need to be assessed by medical personnel.

Severe infections can even develop into sepsis.

And sepsis itself is one of the triggers of acute kidney injury.

7. Kidney Stones and Urinary Tract Obstructions

Small kidney stones do not automatically cause kidney failure.

However, stones that cause serious or recurrent obstructions can damage the kidneys.

Obstructions prevent urine from flowing normally.

Pressure can increase back towards the kidneys and disrupt their function.

Besides stones, enlarged prostate, tumors, or narrowing of the urinary tract can also cause urine flow obstructions.

NIDDK also lists kidney stones with complications as one of the causes of chronic kidney disease.

Do Not Rely Solely on Pain

Not all obstructions cause excruciating pain.

Some conditions develop slowly.

If urine production changes drastically or there is difficulty urinating, medical examination becomes important.

Especially if complaints occur along with pain, fever, or blood in the urine.

8. Use of Drugs and Substances that Damage the Kidneys

Some drugs can be part of the causes of kidney failure under certain conditions.

One group that is often discussed is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs.

Examples include ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac.

The risk of kidney injury can increase at high doses or when there is dehydration and other risk factors.

Certain drugs, toxic substances, and some herbal products or supplements can also affect the kidneys.

However, this does not mean all drugs are automatically dangerous.

Do Not Stop Prescription Drugs on Your Own

Some blood pressure medications actually have important benefits for protecting the kidneys in certain patients.

Therefore, do not stop prescription drugs just after reading an internet article.

Including this article.

Doctors can adjust the type and dose of medication based on kidney function and patient condition.

Always inform healthcare professionals about over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking.

Your kidneys do not care if the product label says "100% natural".

Natural does not automatically mean safe.

9. Severe Dehydration, Bleeding, and Very Low Blood Pressure

Not drinking one glass of water today does not automatically cause someone to experience kidney failure.

However, severe dehydration is a different story.

The body needs sufficient blood flow for the kidneys to work.

When fluid or blood volume drops drastically, the flow to the kidneys can decrease.

This condition can trigger acute kidney injury.

Triggers include severe vomiting or diarrhea, major bleeding, burns, or other critical conditions.

Very low blood pressure can also reduce blood supply to the kidneys.

Who Needs to Be More Cautious?

The risk can be greater in the elderly and people who already have kidney disease.

Likewise, patients with heart disease or other serious conditions.

In these groups, fluid loss should not be considered a minor issue.

Especially if urine decreases, the body is very weak, severe dizziness, or decreased consciousness.

10. Sepsis and Severe Infections

Sepsis occurs when the body's response to infection causes serious organ dysfunction.

The kidneys are one of the organs that can be affected.

Sepsis can cause blood pressure to drop and disrupt blood circulation to the kidneys.

Severe inflammation can also cause tissue injury.

NHS and the National Kidney Foundation list sepsis as an important cause of acute kidney injury.

AKI due to sepsis is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.

This is not a situation suitable for searching for "the most powerful natural kidney medicine" at two in the morning.

Is Drinking Less a Cause of Kidney Failure?

This question arises very often.

The answer requires context.

Occasionally drinking less in healthy individuals is not a primary cause of chronic kidney failure.

However, severe dehydration can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and trigger acute kidney injury.

Therefore, fluid needs remain important.

However, drinking as much water as possible is not a magical way to cleanse the kidneys.

People with certain kidney or heart diseases may even have specific fluid restrictions.

Follow the body's needs and healthcare advice.

Factors That Increase the Risk of Kidney Disease

In addition to direct causes, several conditions can increase the risk of kidney damage.

Obesity is one of them.

Heart disease, old age, smoking, and family history are also associated with the risk of kidney disease.

A diet high in salt and sugar can also contribute through hypertension, diabetes, and metabolic disorders.

The Ministry of Health recommends controlling these factors to maintain kidney health.

Symptoms of Kidney Disorders to Watch Out For

Early-stage kidney disease often does not produce symptoms.

This is why screening is very important for high-risk individuals.

As the disease progresses, some complaints may arise.

Examples include:

less or no urine output,
swelling in the legs or hands,
foamy or bloody urine,
easily fatigued,
nausea and vomiting,
dry or itchy skin,
shortness of breath,
muscle cramps,
loss of appetite.

The Ministry of Health and WHO list some of these complaints in advanced kidney disease.

However, these symptoms are not specific to kidney failure.

Diagnosis still requires medical examination.

How to Determine Kidney Function?

Kidney function tests do not rely solely on symptoms.

Two important tests are blood and urine tests.

A creatinine test can be used to calculate the estimated glomerular filtration rate or eGFR.

This value helps assess the kidneys' ability to filter blood.

Urine tests like the albumin-to-creatinine ratio or UACR can detect albumin leaking into the urine.

WHO recommends eGFR and albuminuria testing in at-risk groups such as those with hypertension and diabetes.

Who Should Consider Kidney Testing?

Consider regular testing if you have:

diabetes,
hypertension,
heart disease,
a family history of kidney disease,
autoimmune disease,
a history of acute kidney injury.

The frequency of testing should be adjusted based on doctor's advice.

Everyone's risk is not the same.

Ways to Reduce the Risk of Kidney Failure

Some causes of kidney failure cannot be completely prevented.

Genetic diseases are one example.

However, many other factors can be managed.

Control Blood Pressure

Check blood pressure regularly.

If prescribed medication by a doctor, use it as directed.

Controlling hypertension is an important step to protect the kidneys.

Maintain Blood Sugar

People with diabetes need to keep blood sugar levels within individual targets.

Good control helps reduce the risk of kidney damage from diabetes.

Avoid Indiscriminate Use of Drugs

Do not frequently use NSAID pain relievers without a proper reason.

The risk is higher if a person already has kidney disorders or is experiencing dehydration.

Maintain a Healthy Weight and Stay Active

WHO recommends physical activity, a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco to help reduce the risk of kidney disease.

There is no need to suddenly become a marathon athlete.

Consistent habits are usually much more realistic.

Reduce Excessive Salt

Excess sodium consumption can complicate blood pressure control.

A balanced diet helps maintain blood pressure, weight, and metabolic health.

When to Seek Medical Help Immediately?

Seek help immediately if urine production drastically decreases or stops.

Especially if accompanied by shortness of breath, rapid swelling, confusion, severe vomiting, or extreme weakness.

Acute kidney injury can develop quickly and requires immediate evaluation.

High fever with back pain and urinary disturbances also need to be checked.

As well as severe vomiting or diarrhea that causes signs of dehydration.

Conclusion

There are many causes of kidney failure, and the process does not always occur the same way in every person.

Diabetes and hypertension are the main causes of chronic kidney disease.

While severe dehydration, sepsis, certain medications, and urinary tract obstructions can trigger acute kidney injury.

Autoimmune diseases, kidney infections, glomerulonephritis, and genetic disorders should not be overlooked.

According to the Ministry of Health, early detection plays an important role in slowing or preventing further kidney damage.

So, don't wait for the body to send an official protest letter.

If you have diabetes, hypertension, or other risk factors, discuss kidney function tests with healthcare professionals.

Knowing the condition earlier provides a greater opportunity to protect the remaining kidney function.

Note: This article is intended as health information and does not replace diagnosis or examination by a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main causes of chronic kidney disease?+

The main causes of chronic kidney disease in adults are diabetes and hypertension. These conditions can lead to gradual damage to the kidneys over time.

How does diabetes lead to kidney failure?+

Diabetes can cause kidney failure by damaging the small blood vessels and filtering system in the kidneys due to long-term high blood sugar levels. This damage, known as diabetic nephropathy, develops slowly over the years.

What is the difference between chronic kidney failure and acute kidney injury?+

Chronic kidney failure develops over a long period, often due to conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, and can last for months to years. Acute kidney injury, on the other hand, occurs suddenly within hours to a few days and can be triggered by severe dehydration, sepsis, or certain medications.

Why is hypertension a cause of kidney failure?+

Hypertension can cause kidney failure by narrowing and damaging the blood vessels in the kidneys, which disrupts blood flow and makes it difficult for the kidneys to remove waste and excess fluid. This can create a cycle where damaged kidneys worsen blood pressure, accelerating further kidney damage.

What are some early signs of kidney disease?+

Kidney disease often develops without clear symptoms in the early stages, which is why it may not show symptoms until it has reached an advanced stage. Regular testing is important for early detection, especially for those with diabetes or hypertension.

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Written by

Rama Runov See all articles by Rama Runov→

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