Risk factors
   
 
Risk factors make it more likely that a disease will develop later. They are factors that do not seem to be a direct cause of the disease, but seem to be associated in some way. Having a risk factor for Kidney disease makes the chances of getting a condition higher but does not always lead to Kidney disease. Also, the absence of any risk factors or having a protective factor does not necessarily guard you against getting Kidney disease. There are some risk factors, like age or family history that you cannot control. But you can control other risk factors, and perhaps slow down or even prevent some diseases. For instance, controlling blood pressure and your blood sugar may help your kidneys work longer.

First, know your risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Then, work with your doctor to prevent or delay kidney failure.
  Kidney Disease Risk Factors You Can Change
 
1
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure puts more stress on blood vessels throughout the body, including the kidney filters (nephrons). Hypertension is the number one cause of kidney failure in Nigeria. Normal blood pressure is less than 130/85—and this is the target for people who have diabetes, heart disease, or Kidney damage. Weight control, exercise, and medications can control blood pressure—and perhaps prevent or slow the progress from kidney disease to kidney failure.

What you can do:Blood pressure pills must be taken as prescribed to work properly. If you can't afford to buy your blood pressure pills or have side effects, tell your doctor so he or she can suggest other options for you.
2
Diabetes
Almost 40% of new dialysis patients have diabetes, making it one of the fastest growing risk factor for kidney disease. Type 2 diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure.

What you can do: Kidney disease does not have to happen to people with diabetes—good blood pressure and blood sugar control can help prevent it. Tight control can have big payoffs in reducing the risk for kidney disease.
3
Inflammation
Certain illnesses, like glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the filtering units of the kidneys), can damage the kidneys, sometimes enough to cause kidney failure. Some glomerulonephritis is inherited, and some may be an immune response to infections like throat infections caused by a bacteria called streptococcus.

What you can do: Having a throat culture for bad sore throats, and treating any strep infection, lowers this risk.
4
Blockages
Scarring from infections or a malformed lower urinary tract system (birth defect) can force urine to back up into the kidney and damage it. Blood clots or plaques of cholesterol that block the kidney's blood vessels can reduce blood flow to the kidney and cause damage. Repeated kidney stones can block the flow of urine from the kidney and are another kind of obstruction that can damage the kidneys.

What you can do: Sometimes blockages can be repaired or opened to help save function in a blocked kidney and kidney stones can be treated. If you know or suspect that you may have a blockage, ask your doctor what can be done about it.
5
Overuse of Painkillers
Heavy use of painkillers containing ibuprofen, naproxen or acetaminophen has been linked to interstitial nephritis, a kidney inflammation that can lead to kidney failure.

What you can do: If you routinely take these medications, be sure that your doctor is aware of it—especially if you already have a known kidney problem. DO NOT self medicate for with OTC (over the counter) drugs for longer than two days.
6.
Drug Abuse
Use of certain non-prescription drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, can damage the kidneys, and may lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis.

What you can do: If you are using these drugs, know that they can harm your health and seek help to stop. Be honest with your doctor about your medical history—he or she can't help you without knowing the full story.
  Kidney Disease Risk Factors You Can't Change but Should Know About
 
1
Family History of Kidney Disease
If you have one or more family members who have chronic kidney disease, are on dialysis, or have a kidney transplant, you may be at higher risk. One inherited disease, polycystic kidney disease, causes large, fluid-filled cysts that eventually crowd out normal kidney tissue. Diabetes and high blood pressure can also run in families. Be aware of your family history and share it with your doctor. This can ensure that you are screened for risk factors regularly and get the care you need.
2
Premature Birth
About one in five very premature infants (less than 32 weeks gestation) may have calcium deposits in parts of the kidney called nephrons. This is termed nephrocalcinosis. Sometimes, individuals with this condition may go on to develop kidney problems later in life.
3
Age
Since kidney function is reduced in older people, the older you are, the greater your risk.
4
Trauma or Accident
Accidents, injuries, some surgeries, and certain radiocontrast dyes that doctors use to monitor blood flow to your heart and other organs can damage the kidneys or reduce blood flow to the kidneys, causing acute (sudden) kidney failure. Sometimes acute kidney failure will get better, but it may lead to chronic kidney failure.
5
Certain Diseases
Having certain diseases puts people at higher risk of kidney disease. These diseases include systemic lupus erythematosus (a connective tissue disease), sickle cell anemia, cancer, AIDS, hepatitis C, and congestive heart failure.