What causes kidney failure?

What causes kidney failure?

Kidney disease is caused by many different health problems that can damage the kidneys. The damage can take place all at once or a little bit at a time over many years. Eventually, kidney disease can lead to kidney failure.

Common causes of kidney disease include:

• Autoimmune diseases (lupus, for example).
• Birth defects that interfere with kidney development.
• Cysts (pockets of fluid) in the kidneys, from an inherited condition called polycystic kidney disease.
• Diabetes (this is the most common cause in the US).
• High blood pressure (hypertension) (this is the second most common cause in the US) and heart disease.
• Kidney stones.
• Severe or repeat infections, including urinary tract infections.