How to treat kidney atrophy

Sep 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Guang

Introduction

In general, kidney atrophy may result from aging-related degeneration of renal tissue, long-term unhealthy lifestyle habits, chronic glomerulonephritis, renal artery stenosis, or urinary tract obstruction. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general management, medication, surgical treatment, or other methods under a doctor's guidance.

Under normal circumstances, kidney atrophy may result from aging-related degeneration of renal tissue, long-term unhealthy lifestyle habits, chronic glomerulonephritis, renal artery stenosis, or urinary tract obstruction. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention to determine the underlying cause and, under a doctor's guidance, improve the condition through general management, medication, surgical treatment, or other methods. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Age-related renal tissue degeneration: With increasing age, nephron numbers gradually decrease, renal parenchyma becomes thinner, kidney volume shrinks, and kidney function slowly declines. Daily measures include limiting salt intake to no more than 5 grams per day, avoiding excessive high-protein diets, maintaining regular sleep patterns, engaging in moderate exercise, and routinely monitoring kidney function to slow the rate of renal degeneration.

2. Long-term unhealthy lifestyle habits: Chronic behaviors such as staying up late, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking increase the metabolic burden on the kidneys and damage renal tissue, leading to atrophy. It is essential to quit smoking and drinking completely, ensure 7–8 hours of sleep each night, avoid overexertion, drink plenty of water to promote metabolism, and reduce toxin accumulation in the kidneys.

3. Chronic glomerulonephritis: Persistent damage to the glomeruli, with repeated inflammatory stimulation, leads to renal fibrosis and subsequent kidney atrophy, often accompanied by proteinuria and hematuria. Medications such as Valsartan capsules, Benazepril tablets, and Hydrochlorothiazide tablets should be taken as prescribed to control blood pressure, reduce urinary protein, and protect kidney function.

4. Renal artery stenosis: Narrowing of the renal artery lumen reduces blood supply to the kidneys. Prolonged ischemia leads to renal tissue atrophy and may be associated with hypertension. Treatment options include renal artery balloon angioplasty to expand the narrowed vessel and improve perfusion, or placement of a renal artery stent to maintain vascular patency.

5. Urinary tract obstruction: Obstruction caused by kidney stones, ureteral strictures, or similar conditions impedes urine outflow, increases intrarenal pressure, compresses renal tissue, and causes atrophy, often accompanied by flank pain and reduced urine output. Treatment depends on the cause—for example, ureteroscopic lithotripsy and stone removal for kidney stones, or ureteroplasty to relieve strictures—aimed at restoring normal urine flow, relieving kidney compression, and preserving residual renal function.

In daily life, maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and greasy foods, and consume moderate amounts of high-quality protein such as eggs and milk. Pay attention to keeping warm, prevent respiratory infections, avoid increasing the burden on the kidneys, maintain a positive mindset, actively cooperate with treatment, and support overall kidney health.

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How does renal atrophy affect glomerular filtration function?

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.

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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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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 does not cause kidney atrophy; however, severe kidney function impairment may lead to kidney atrophy. To prevent kidney function impairment and the occurrence of kidney atrophy, nephrotoxic drugs should be avoided, and kidney function indicators should be monitored regularly.

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Is kidney atrophy of 3 cm severe?

In general, kidney atrophy measuring 3 cm may indicate a relatively severe condition. The kidneys are vital organs in the human body, responsible for urine production and removing metabolic waste from the body, playing a crucial role in maintaining internal environmental stability. When the kidneys have atrophied by 3 cm, their volume has significantly decreased, typically indicating that the normal function of the kidneys has already been affected.