Smoking can be dated to as early as 5000 BCE and has been recorded in different cultures across the world. Smoking is one the most common forms of recreational drug use. Tobacco smoking is the most popular form, being practiced by over 1 billion people globally.
How smoking can harm kidneys. Smoking can seriously harm kidneys by causing: (i) Increases blood pressureand heart rate; (ii) Increases risk of developing kidney cancers; (iii) Reduces blood flow in the kidneys; (iv) Increases production of angiotensin II (a hormone produced in kidney); (v) Narrows the blood vessels in the kidneys; (vi) Damages arterioles (small branches of arteries); (vii) Forms arteriosclerosis (thickening and hardening) of the renal arteries; and (viii) Accelerates loss of kidney function.
In addition to tobacco, smoking allows other toxins into the body. Smoking can cause kidney disease to progress and increases the risk for proteinuria (excessive amount of protein in the urine).
Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and kidneys. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of CKD (Chronic slowing of kidneys). Studies have found that people with diabetes and/or high blood pressure who smoke multiply the risk of getting CKD. In both groups smoking increased the chances of getting renal disease. Smoking also accelerated the occurrence of kidney disease. Stopping smoking helps a person maintain kidney function.
Smoking, heart disease and kidneys. For people with kidney disease who smoke, stopping may be the one most important thing they can do to slow the progression of both kidney and heart failure.
For people who have had a kidney transplantand not stopped smoking, their chances of survival decrease due to the risk of cardiovascular problems. The best way to a successful transplant outcome is to stop smoking.
Smoking and healthy kidneys. According to multiple research studies, men in the general population, who don’t have kidney disease, are at an increased risk for getting end stage renal disease if they are smokers. The risk gets even higher for heavy smokers. Cigarette smoking has been called the most preventable risk factor for maintaining good health.
How to quit smoking: (i) Talk to your doctor about nicotine-replacement therapies like gums and patches, as well as medicines to help you; (ii) Give yourself a quit date and throw out all tobacco products; (iii) Have a strategy for helping you overcome cravings: (a) Chew gum, suck on hard candy, nibble on low-calorie snacks throughout the day or make your meals last longer; (b) Talk to friends and family members for support; (c) Try deep breathing or meditation until the urge passes; (iv) Keep trying until you quit.