There are several factors that cause kidney failure. Although they are of such a wide variety, they could be classified in reference to the areas that they affect. Consequently, two broad classes of factors are identified, those that take place in the kidney and those that occur in other areas.
Prerenal Causes of Kidney Failure
These occur outside the kidney. They are mainly related to the inability of the body to supply enough blood to the kidney. Hypovolemia is a condition that describes the presence of very low levels of blood in the kidney. When the volume of blood in the kidney is low the organ is unable to function optimally hence kidney failure occurs. Dehydration although more often than not, goes unnoticed is another prevalent cause of kidney failure. This may come about as a result of adequate fluids in the body, which could have been caused by diarrhea, vomiting or fever among other factors.
Individuals that have a poor history of consuming fluids are known to suffer kidney failure. This is because the kidneys are overworked yet the fluids required in the core function of purification are continually depleted without being replenished. There are some medications that could lead to one being dehydrated such as diuretics. Additionally, if the kidney does not receive blood, it is bound to fail. Lack of supply occurs when the renal artery or renal vein is blocked either through an accident or illness.
Renal Causes of Kidney Failure
These occur when the kidney suffers direct damage. They vary but generally revolve around certain factors. Medications could easily overwhelm the kidney and hence hamper its ability to perform. For instance certain antibiotics are known to cause kidney failure. These include Gentamicin and Tobramycin. Similarly, there are instances when patients are injected with iodine based drugs. Such drugs may hamper the processes of the kidney.
When the body system suffers continued attack from infections, it may be unable to resist the sustained onslaught. If this continually occurs, the kidneys could shut down. This is especially seen when the body suffers persistent urinary tract infections. The obstruction of the uterus and the bladder results in pressure being exerted on the kidney. When this happens the kidneys are unable to dispose off urine and are therefore unable to function. Kidney stones, prostate cancer and tumors occurring in the abdominal area are all possible causes of kidney failure.