What causes kidney atrophy?

Apr 20, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhao Xinju

Introduction

Kidney atrophy may result from natural aging of the kidneys as age increases, leading to a gradual decline in kidney function, as well as a reduction in both the number and function of nephrons, ultimately causing renal shrinkage. It could also be caused by pathological factors such as glomerular diseases or tubular disorders, or possibly due to renal vascular diseases. It is recommended to visit the nephrology department of a hospital for proper evaluation and receive targeted treatment accordingly.

Renal atrophy may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions, such as glomerular diseases, tubular disorders, etc. The specific analysis is as follows:

I. Physiological Causes

With increasing age, the kidneys naturally age and renal function gradually declines, leading to a reduction in both the number and function of nephrons, which results in renal atrophy.

II. Pathological Causes

1. Glomerular Diseases

Glomerular diseases reduce the glomerular filtration rate, impairing the kidney's ability to excrete waste products and excess fluid from the body. This progressive decline in renal function can lead to symptoms of renal atrophy.

2. Tubular Disorders

Injury to the renal tubules can cause cell apoptosis and necrosis, trigger inflammatory responses in tubular epithelial cells, and lead to accumulation of extracellular matrix. These changes result in tubular dysfunction and may lead to impaired renal function and symptoms of renal atrophy.

Besides the above causes, renal vascular diseases may also contribute. It is recommended to visit the nephrology department of a hospital for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

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Is kidney atrophy serious?

The severity of renal atrophy depends on the extent of the condition. Unilateral kidney atrophy is generally not severe, whereas bilateral kidney atrophy is more serious. Patients with renal atrophy are advised to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and receive treatment based on the underlying cause. If chronic diseases are present, it is essential to take medications regularly, complete the prescribed course, and adhere to the recommended dosage to control the condition and prevent further kidney damage.

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What causes a single shrunken kidney after more than thirty years, and what should be done about it?

Unilateral renal atrophy may be caused by medical conditions such as renal ischemia, renal tuberculosis, arteritis, or congenital kidney dysplasia. Treatment primarily involves medication, and if necessary, prompt medical evaluation at a正规 hospital is required to allow for targeted therapy based on the underlying cause. In daily life, it's important to maintain healthy dietary and lifestyle habits, avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption.

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Is kidney atrophy the same as kidney failure?

Renal atrophy mainly refers to morphological changes in the kidneys, and can be divided into congenital and acquired types. Congenital atrophy may result from certain factors during fetal development that prevent the kidneys from fully developing. Acquired atrophy may be caused by injury. Renal failure refers to abnormal kidney function that decreases below normal levels, and is classified into chronic and acute types.

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What causes kidney atrophy in females?

In general, female kidney atrophy may be associated with factors such as trauma, polycystic kidney disease, chronic pyelonephritis, hypertensive nephropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, it may also be related to conditions such as renal artery stenosis and hyperuricemia. If patients experience any discomfort or symptoms, they should seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.