Kidneys are a significant part of the body that works toward eliminating waste and other toxins from the body so that bones remain strong and problems like high blood pressure and anemia remain at bay. However, when it doesn’t work optimally, it leads to improper blood purification, causing the deposition of waste material in the body and consequent health issues. Here are a few causes of kidney disease:

1. Diabetes
Diabetes is known to be a major reason behind kidney problems and end-stage renal disease. This is because diabetes leads to elevated blood glucose levels, which may cause problems in other body parts. Additionally, in kidneys, it increases the formation of chemicals recognized as reactive oxygen species, or ROS.

2. Hepatitis
The virus is known to cause damage to kidneys both directly and indirectly, as it is linked with renal vascular swelling and a condition known as glomerulonephritis, wherein the virus causes damage to the filtering units present along the kidney.

3. Membranous nephropathy
The kidney’s main function is to flush out toxins from the blood. When a patient has membranous nephropathy, the person’s immune system is known to damage the tiny filters in the kidney.

4. Polycystic kidney disease
This is a hereditary disorder that leads to the formation of cysts along the kidneys.

5. High blood pressure
People who have elevated systolic and diastolic numbers stand a higher chance of suffering from kidney failure, as hypertension can lead to rupture of the blood vessels present along the kidneys. If this phenomenon happens, the kidney may not flush out toxins.

6. Lupus nephritis
This form of kidney condition arises due to systemic lupus erythematosus. Additionally, it is an autoimmune condition wherein the body’s immune system damages its cells. The condition worsens over time and subsequently leads to kidney failure.

7. Heavy metals
Kidney disease is also common in people who have continuous exposure to heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, lead, and chromium. Furthermore, the toxicity may happen due to ingestion, inhalation, or exposure to the skin.

8. Hemolytic uremic syndrome
The condition is a form of kidney disease mainly affecting children that occurs when there is damage to the red blood cells along the body, which also obstructs the kidneys’ filtering system.

9. Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease
In this form of disease, the patient’s immune system is known to produce antibodies that damage their kidneys and lungs.

10. Alport syndrome
This exceptional genetic disorder is known to destroy the small blood vessels along the kidneys. The disorder can even lead to eye and ear problems.

11. Pyelonephritis
This is a form of bacterial infection that affects one or both kidneys and leads to organ inflammation.

12. Reflux nephropathy
This condition is caused by a backward urine stream from the bladder to the kidneys.

13. Enlarged prostate
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly known as an enlarged prostate, may also cause kidney damage as the condition restricts the flow of urine away from the bladder.

14. Interstitial nephritis
People who are prescribed antibiotics or analgesics for a long time have a high chance of developing inflammation in the kidneys.