How does renal atrophy affect glomerular filtration function?

Jun 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Guang

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, kidney atrophy affects glomerular filtration function through reduction in kidney size, fibrosis and scar formation, fibrosis of capillary walls, renal artery stenosis, and toxin accumulation. If necessary, timely medical treatment is recommended. When kidney atrophy occurs, the reduced kidney size directly decreases the glomerular filtration area, which reduces the contact surface between the blood and the glomerular filtration membrane.

Under normal circumstances, kidney atrophy affects glomerular filtration function through reduction in kidney size, fibrosis and scar formation, capillary wall fibrosis, renal artery stenosis, and toxin accumulation. If necessary, timely medical treatment is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Reduced Kidney Size

When kidney atrophy occurs, the kidneys shrink in size, directly reducing the glomerular filtration area. This decreases the contact area between blood and the glomerular filtration membrane, thereby lowering the glomerular filtration rate and impairing the excretion of waste products and excess fluid from the body.

2. Fibrosis and Scar Formation

Kidney atrophy is often accompanied by fibrosis and scar formation in kidney tissue. These pathological changes damage the structure and function of the glomeruli, reducing the permeability of the glomerular filtration membrane and impairing filtration function.

3. Capillary Wall Fibrosis

Long-term kidney disease or injury may lead to fibrosis of the glomerular capillary walls, impeding blood flow. This further reduces the effective filtration area and lowers the glomerular filtration rate.

4. Renal Artery Stenosis

Kidney atrophy can cause renal artery stenosis, reducing blood flow into the kidneys and affecting glomerular filtration function. Over time, this insufficient blood supply may further decrease the glomerular filtration rate.

5. Toxin Accumulation

Kidney atrophy diminishes the kidneys' ability to remove waste products, leading to the accumulation of toxins such as urea and creatinine in the body. These toxins can directly damage the glomeruli and other kidney tissues, further reducing the glomerular filtration rate.

Patients with kidney atrophy should maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and appropriate exercise. A diet high in salt, fat, and sugar should be avoided, and adequate intake of high-quality protein is recommended.

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What are the causes of increased kidney volume in patients with renal atrophy?

In general, kidney enlargement in patients with renal atrophy may be caused by fluid retention, improper diet, acute glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, acute exacerbation of diabetic nephropathy, or other similar reasons. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, one should maintain a regular作息, avoid fatigue, and regularly monitor indicators such as renal function and routine urinalysis.

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Can patients with kidney atrophy eat perilla?

In general, patients with kidney atrophy can consume perilla, but should do so in moderation. However, intake must be strictly controlled to avoid excessive consumption, as perilla, while possessing certain nutritional value, may place additional strain on the body and affect kidney function when consumed in excess. Moreover, patients with kidney atrophy often need to follow a diet that is low in salt, low in fat, and includes high-quality, low-protein foods.

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Why are patients with kidney dysfunction prone to facial swelling?

Under normal circumstances, the causes of facial swelling in patients with renal insufficiency include water and sodium retention, hypoalbuminemia, decreased glomerular filtration function, inflammatory responses, and hormonal changes. When kidney function is impaired, the kidneys' filtration and excretion functions decline, leading to the retention of excess water and sodium in the body that cannot be effectively eliminated.

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Why does creatinine increase in kidney dysfunction?

Under normal circumstances, the causes of elevated creatinine levels due to kidney insufficiency include decreased kidney filtration capacity, impaired glomerular filtration function, kidney disease effects, bodily dehydration, and accumulation of metabolic waste products. If necessary, timely medical attention is recommended. Kidney insufficiency means the kidneys' filtration capacity is compromised, making them unable to effectively remove creatinine from the bloodstream.