Causes of a Non-Functioning Kidney

The blood is carefully filtered by two bean-shaped organs in the small of the back called kidneys. The kidneys are sophisticated strainers that regain nutrients and help eliminate excess waste water. Kidney malfunctions can result in complete failure of these tiny organs, which are indispensable to the body. Well, at least one of them is indispensable. The body can function perfectly well with just one kidney. There are many factors that can lead to kidney malfunction, including diet, injury, and genetic disposition to other diseases like diabetes.

Chronic Kidney Disease

• A number of conditions that damage the kidneys are included under one umbrella as chronic kidney disease. This can be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, and other disorders. According to the National Kidney Foundation, having a chronic kidney disease significantly increases a person's risk of having other heart and blood vessel diseases. Waste builds up to high levels and the blood becomes toxic. This can lead to weak bones, nerve damage, and anemia. Chronic kidney disease can be kept in check with early detection and treatment but can lead to kidney failure if left untreated.

Kidney Stones

• Another malfunction of the kidneys is called kidney stones. The National Kidney Foundation estimates that nearly a million Americans a year, mostly men, are affected by kidney stones. These are hard masses formed from crystallized calcium oxalate. These can range in size from a grain of salt to a golf ball. This malfunction of the kidneys can be caused by chronic urinary tract infections, too little fluid intake, certain medications, or a urinary tract blockage. This can be very painful but seldom leads to absolute kidney failure. Some people may not exhibit recognizable symptoms but kidney stones can be accompanied by intense pain, bloody urine, and difficulty passing urine. Doctors can diagnose kidney stones, and recognize their size and location using X-Ray techniques. Although ninety percent of kidney stones will pass by themselves, non-invasive treatment can include increased fluid intake, changes in diet, and medication.

Diabetic Nephropathy

• Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure in the United States. Kidneys can be damaged over time by the high level of blood sugar in diabetics. Kidney damage due to diabetes is called diabetic nephropathy, and an early warning sign is small amounts of protein in the urine. There can be very few symptoms of diabetic nephropathy and it can take years to develop. Some diabetics don't develop kidney problems for more than fifteen to twenty years. High blood pressure is a major factor in the development of kidney malfunctions in diabetic patients. Family history is one of the main factors in increasing the chances of diabetic nephropathy. When dealing with diabetes and hypertension, a dangerous cycle of rising blood pressure levels can even aggravate pre-existing kidney conditions.

Glomerular Diseases

• The glomeruli are tiny units within the kidney which filter the blood, separating wastes, nutrients, and excess water. Many malfunctions of the kidney involve the glomeruli, and are together classified as glomerular diseases. These diseases interfere with the body's removal of waste, and in some cases allow red blood cells to leak into the urine. When this happens, the blood loses its capacity to absorb extra fluid, leaving the fluid to accumulate in the face, face, and other extremities. Glomerular diseases can be caused by an infection or a drug toxic to the kidneys. Other diseases like diabetes or lupus can also result in glomerular diseases.

Ectopic Kidney

• Ectopic kidneys are birth defects that can potentially cause kidneys to malfunction. During fetal development, the kidneys develop as tiny buds inside the pelvis. As they develop, they gradually move to a higher position near the back of the ribcage. Sometimes, one or both of the kidneys form in an abnormal position, failing to make the complete climb from the pelvis region. Researchers estimate that this occurs only once in every thousand births. Even in most cases of ectopic kidneys, only one of the kidneys is out of place and have little effect on kidney function. However, in some cases, the ectopic kidney is positioned in a way that causes bladder to flow back to the kidneys, a condition called vesicoureteral reflux. Abnormal urine flow can become a precursor to a host of other kidney malfunctions, as well.

Kidney Failure

• When the kidneys stop working well enough to live and function, this is called kidney failure. Dialysis or kidney transplant are the only remaining options for a patient suffering from kidney failure. There are two kinds of kidney failure: acute renal failure and End Stage Renal Disease. In Acute Renal Failure (ARF) the kidney loses function rather quickly. This can be caused by damages from injuries, major blood loss, and some bad reactions to medicines. This type of kidney failure can be improved but if the damage is extensive, the kidney failure can be permanent. Permanent kidney failure is called End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of ESRD, though some cases are due to genetic abnormalities, personal injuries, and medicinal side effects. The only successful alternatives to kidney failure are kidney transplants and dialysis. Deciding which treatment is best will take time and careful medical consultation. A kidney transplant is when a healthy ureter and kidney from someone else is placed into the body. This could involve waiting several months or even years until a compatible donor is found. Dialysis is a medical process which uses a machine and special fluid to clean the blood. This can be an uncomfortable and time-consuming process. Most patients would prefer a kidney transplant over dialysis regimen.