The Link Between Smoking and Kidney Problems

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects as many as 14% of Americans, many of whom go on to develop kidney failure that requires dialysis and kidney transplant. Even with treatment, kidney disease increases the risk of permanent disability and death, which means it’s vital to do all you can to protect your kidneys and keep them healthy.

Chadi Saad, MD, and the team at Nephrocare MD LLC are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for kidney disease, combining medical therapies with lifestyle guidance to help every patient improve their kidney health and function. In this post, learn how a simple habit like smoking can dramatically affect the way your kidneys work — and why quitting smoking is so important.

Kidney basics

Your kidneys are two fist-sized organs tasked with filtering wastes, toxins, and excess fluids from your blood. As blood circulates through your kidneys, a series of tiny blood vessels works to remove those products while returning “clean” blood to your blood vessels. 

When kidneys are healthy, they can filter roughly a cup of blood every two minutes and all of your blood in about an hour. The products removed by your kidneys are excreted in your urine. 

Not surprisingly, anything that affects the way your kidneys work results in a buildup of toxic byproducts, along with increased risks of kidney problems. Lots of issues can cause or contribute to kidney problems, including underlying diseases like diabetes, prescription and nonprescription medicines, and tobacco smoke.

Smoking and your kidneys

Many people think smoking primarily (or solely) affects the lungs and heart, but actually, it affects your entire body. Every time you smoke, you inhale toxins that enter your bloodstream. 

Your kidneys need to filter out all those toxins, exposing the entire structure of your kidneys to the toxic effects of smoke. As a result, the link between smoking and kidney health can be complex and multifaceted.

Decreased circulation

The toxins contained in tobacco smoke directly affect the strength and function of your blood vessels, impairing circulation to your kidneys. Since the kidneys depend on ample blood flow to filter wastes properly, the vessel damage caused by smoking can also make it harder for your kidneys to work, leading to compromised function and an increased risk of kidney disease over time.

Increased blood pressure

Smoking may also increase your blood pressure, including the pressure exerted on your kidneys. Over time, hypertension can damage the tiny vessels that filter your blood, increasing your risk of kidney dysfunction and disease.

Interference with kidney medication

Medications can be used to treat or prevent kidney damage — for instance, blood pressure medicine can help manage hypertension, reducing the risk of kidney damage. However, smoking can make these medications less effective, which means your kidneys won’t be getting the full effects of medicines designed to prevent kidney problems.

Combined, the effects of smoking can increase your risk of developing CKD and worsen existing kidney problems, including problems associated with diabetes. Additionally, smoking can also increase your risk of kidney cancer.

Protect your kidneys

Your kidneys are crucial in keeping you healthy. You can return the favor by doing all you can to support kidney health.

To learn how we can help, call 313-960-6605 or book an appointment online with Dr. Saad and the team at Nephrocare MD LLC in Dearborn, Michigan, today.