Drug abuse and kidney failure

Drugs of any kind will pass through the kidneys at some stage. This is true for both legal and illegal drugs. Our kidneys serve to rid the body of waste materials and any harm that is caused to them can lead to serious problems. Kidney failure or loss of function might require the usage of dialysis or the undergoing of a kidney transplant.

Harmful drugs

Pain medication can be a potential cause of damage to the kidneys. This includes over the counter drugs such as Aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. An overdose or high amount of consumption of these drugs can lead to problems with the kidneys. These drugs should only be taken under the specific advice of a doctor. Antibiotics can also be potentially risky with regard to the kidneys. If you do suffer from any form of kidney disease, antibiotics should only be taken in moderation and in the prescribed dosage. Those with kidney problems will need to take less antibiotics than those who are otherwise healthy.

Excessive consumption of alcohol is another reason why one's kidneys might become damaged. Alcoholics and those who drink a lot of alcohol are quite vulnerable to liver failure and kidney failure. The vast majority of illegal drugs, or street drugs, will also usually be harmful to the kidneys and the body as a whole. This includes drugs such as heroin, cocaine and ecstasy. These drugs can also result in stroke and heart failure.

What to do

In order to avoid these potential problems, one should avoid taking any potentially harmful medication, drug or other substance unless specifically advised to do so by a doctor. One should also avoid taking pills provided to you by strangers or even friends, unless completely sure of the content. If you do feel ill having taken such a substance, consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Diabetes and kidney disease

Diabetes can also lead to kidney disease. The disease occurs as a result of the body’s inability to produce insulin, a hormone that regulates the body’s blood sugar levels. Diabetes is also further subdivided into several types, including type one and type two. Type one is generally found in children, while the latter is usually found in those over the age of forty. With type two, the body does not correctly use the insulin produced by the pancreas. Diabetes leads to the injury of the body’s small blood vessels.