The kidneys filter waste and excess fluids from the blood, which are then removed through the urine. Chronic kidney disease is the gradual loss of kidney function and may cause dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes, and wastes to build up in the body. It may occur when another health condition impairs kidney function, triggering the gradual worsening of the organ. Here are some common causes of chronic kidney disease to be aware of.

1. Diabetes
   Excessive glucose in the blood may damage the kidneys’ filters. With time, the kidneys may get damaged beyond repair and may no longer be able to filter wastes and extra fluid from the blood efficiently. The first sign of kidney disease due to diabetes is a protein (albumin – needed to stay healthy), which passes out of the blood and into the urine. The protein usually does not pass in urine when the kidney is healthy.
2. High blood pressure
   People who suffer from high blood pressure may find that the blood vessels in the kidneys get damaged, restricting the organs from working well. If this happens, the kidneys might be incapable of removing wastes and additional fluid from the body. The extra fluid in the blood vessels may raise blood pressure further, creating a vicious cycle that may be life-threatening.
3. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
   This is a genetic disorder that causes many cysts to grow in the kidneys. The cysts are growths filled with fluid, which damage the kidneys and make them much larger than usual. Thousands of cysts may grow in the kidneys and make each organ as heavy as 30 pounds. PKD cysts may trigger high blood pressure and lead to problems with blood vessels in the brain and heart.
4. Lupus
   Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a form of lupus that may harm the skin, kidneys, joints, and brain and could be fatal. It is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy cells. This causes harm to organs like the kidneys. Lupus nephritis is a complication of SLE that results in the inflammation of the small blood vessels that filter wastes in the kidney. It may result in symptoms like hematuria, proteinuria, edema, and high blood pressure.
5. Sepsis
   Sepsis is one of the most common causes of kidney disease and is also a life-threatening condition. It is a severe response to an infection or injury that is left untreated. While bacterial infections are the most common cause of sepsis, it could also occur due to fungal, viral, and parasitic infections. Without treatment, sepsis may cause complications like organ failure, including the kidneys. It may trigger permanent kidney damage, which could ultimately lead to chronic kidney disease.
6. Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
   A UTI occurs when bacteria get into the urinary system and multiply. The result is swelling, redness, and pain in this region. If left untreated, the bacteria may travel up to the kidneys and cause a more severe type of infection called pyelonephritis. Some symptoms of UTIs include an urgent need to urinate, a strong urine odor, and cloudy or blood-tinged urine.