WHAT CAUSES KIDNEY DISEASE?
There are many reasons why some older people develop kidney problems. Repeated kidney infections over the years and inflammation (nephritis) can damage the kidneys. Sometimes these illnesses first develop in later years, or they started years before and gradually progress.
If you have a long history of high blood pressure, especially if it has not been controlled, or atherosclerosis, kidney function can gradually deteriorate. Small pieces of atheroma (fatty material) can become dislodged from renal (kidney) blood vessels and block the flow of blood to the kidneys, thereby causing injury. If you suffer from kidney stones that have not been successfully treated either by medication or surgical removal, they may partially block the ureters and kidneys and prevent the flow of urine, thus becoming a source of repeated infections. Unrelieved obstruction from an enlarged prostate can do the same.
When used over many years certain medications, such as analgesics, can injure your kidneys; this is true of some strong antibiotics and antiinflammatory agents as well. If you already have kidney damage, some antibiotics and antiinflammatory agents must be used cautiously.
Tumors of the kidney, both benign and malignant, can occur in older people. They may show themselves either by growing and spreading to other parts of the body or by causing hemorrhage within the kidney. If you see blood in your urine, contact your physician immediately, even if the bleeding stops by itself.
Individuals with diabetes mellitus can develop kidney disease and are more prone to infection of the urinary tract. If you suffer from this disorder, your blood and urine should be examined at least every six months to check the function of your kidneys.
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