Smoking is widely known for its harmful effects on the lungs, heart, and overall health, but do you know it also impacts the kidneys? Kidneys are vital organs that filter waste from your blood, maintaining fluid balance and overall health. When you smoke, you hit their health in several damaging ways, increasing the risk of kidney disease and worsening existing conditions. Dr. Abhyuday Singh Rana, Associate Consultant, DNB (Nephrology), DNB (Medicine), MBBS (MD Physician), tells us more.
5 Ways Smoking Damages Your Kidneys
As per Dr. Singh Rana, smoking affects one's kidneys in these five ways:
1) Reduced Blood Flow to the Kidneys
Smoking causes blood vessels to narrow, reducing blood flow throughout the body, including to the kidneys. This limits the kidneys' ability to filter waste effectively and maintain fluid balance. Over time, this decreased blood supply can lead to kidney damage and increase the risk of kidney disease.
2) Increased Blood Pressure
Smoking is a known cause of high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney disease because it damages the blood vessels in the kidneys, making it harder for them to filter waste and toxins. If high blood pressure is not managed properly, it can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and eventually kidney failure.
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3) Damage to Kidney Tissue
The chemicals in cigarette smoke, such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, and other toxins, can directly harm kidney tissue. These toxins cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which can damage kidney cells and lead to scarring (fibrosis) of kidney tissue. This scarring can impair kidney function over time and increase the risk of developing chronic kidney
disease.
4) Increased Risk of Kidney Stones
Smoking can also increase the risk of kidney stones. The harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke may affect calcium metabolism, which can lead to the formation of stones in the kidneys. Kidney stones can cause intense pain and discomfort and in some cases, may require surgery to remove.
5) Exacerbating Existing Kidney Conditions
For individuals who already have kidney disease or are at risk of developing it, smoking can make the condition worse. Smoking can accelerate the progression of kidney disease by increasing blood pressure and further damaging the kidneys. For those with diabetes or high blood pressure, both of which are major risk factors for kidney disease, smoking compounds the damage to the kidneys.
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