Can impaired kidney function lead to kidney atrophy?

Whether impaired kidney function leads to kidney atrophy depends on the specific circumstances. If the kidney function impairment is mild, it generally will not cause kidney atrophy. However, if the impairment is severe, it may result in kidney atrophy. A detailed explanation is as follows:

If kidney function is only mildly impaired, timely detection and appropriate treatment measures, such as controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels, can slow disease progression and prevent further deterioration of kidney function. In such cases, impaired kidney function may not lead to kidney atrophy, and mild kidney damage might even be repaired through the body's self-healing mechanisms. However, if kidney function is severely impaired or if timely and effective treatment is not provided, kidney function may continue to decline, leading to renal ischemia and hypoxia. Prolonged kidney dysfunction can promote the development and progression of lesions such as glomerulosclerosis and tubular atrophy, which can ultimately lead to kidney atrophy. To prevent kidney function impairment and kidney atrophy, nephrotoxic drugs should be avoided, and kidney function indicators should be monitored regularly. In daily life, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding excessive fatigue, and adopting good lifestyle habits are important for promoting kidney health.