Does smoking cause kidney disease?

As someone managing diabetes, I have to be extremely careful because my kidneys are already at risk, and smoking makes it twice as dangerous. Smoking increases blood pressure which destroys the delicate kidney filters over time. Please get a simple urine protein test and consult a doctor to stay safe.

I read an article about how smoking damages the blood vessels in the kidneys and now I am panicking over every dull ache in my back. It is so scary to think of the damage we might have already done. Please get your kidney function checked by a doctor, it will help calm your mind.

Yes, smoking causes systemic atherosclerosis, which directly narrows the renal arteries and leads to kidney dysfunction. If you smoke, you are at a significantly higher risk of end-stage renal disease. You should schedule a basic kidney function panel and consult a physician to discuss quitting strategies.

Yes, smoking is a major risk factor for chronic kidney disease because it slows the blood flow to these organs. It also accelerates kidney damage in people who already have diabetes or high blood pressure. Quitting smoking is absolutely vital to protect your renal health.