Getting diagnosed with kidney disease is a scary reality for millions of Americans, and this potentially fatal illness can come from a wide variety of causes. According to the experts at Mt Auburn Nephrology in Cincinnati, OH, if you need kidney disease treatment, time is of the essence. Early detection could save your life by preventing acute kidney.

Only some of the causes of kidney disease are hereditary. Here, the doctors at Mt Auburn Nephrology list some of the most common kidney disease factors:

Hereditary Kidney Disease

Do you have a history of kidney disease in your family? If so, this means you have a higher chance of kidney disease as well. Polycystic Kidney Disease, or PKD, is one type of hereditary kidney disease that causes cysts on the kidneys and begins in the womb. Many types of hereditary kidney diseases don't show symptoms until adulthood. If you have a family history of hereditary kidney diseases, get your children's kidneys checked early on, so they don't discover they need kidney disease treatment when it's already too late.

Diabetes

Even if you don't have family members who faced a diagnosis of kidney disease, diabetes—which can run in families—puts you at higher risk for acute kidney failure as well. Diabetes prevents your body from processing sugar properly, which can cause issues from kidney disease to nerve damage. If diabetes runs in your family, watch your weight and blood sugar, and consider a visit to your local nephrology practice to get kidney tests done.

Other Causes Of Kidney Disease

There are many other triggers for kidney disease, and some have hereditary factors while others don't. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is an issue that runs in many families and can harm kidneys by damaging their blood vessels. A healthy lifestyle is key to keeping your blood pressure (and kidneys) healthy and happy. Two other major causes of kidney disease are infections and physical trauma.

Armed with these facts, you can better treat and prevent many types of kidney disease, even those with hereditary factors. However, if you think you may be developing kidney issue or have already been diagnosed, the doctors at Mt Auburn Nephrology can help. They specialize in kidney stone, hypertension, and kidney disease treatment. If you or someone you love needs a kidney checkup or treatment, call them at (513) 841-0222 or visit online to learn more about their services.