Rates for both chronic kidney disease and mortality have increased, associated with the rising prevalence of diabetes and the ageing global population.

[6] Causes of kidney disease include deposition of the Immunoglobulin A antibodies in the glomerulus, administration of analgesics, xanthine oxidase deficiency, toxicity of chemotherapy agents, and a long-term exposure to lead or its salts.

The pain medicines which can cause kidney problems include aspirin, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen.

Specifically, long-term use of the analgesic phenacetin has been linked to renal papillary necrosis (necrotizing papillitis).

Diabetic nephropathy is a progressive kidney disease caused by angiopathy of the capillaries in the glomeruli.

It is particularly associated with poorly managed diabetes mellitus and is a primary reason for dialysis in many developed countries.

[9] Higher dietary intake of animal protein, animal fat, and cholesterol may increase risk for microalbuminuria, a sign of kidney function decline,[10] and generally, diets higher in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains but lower in meat and sweets may be protective against kidney function decline.

The classic presentation (in 40–50% of the cases) is episodic frank hematuria which usually starts within a day or two of a non-specific upper respiratory tract infection (hence synpharyngitic) as opposed to post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis which occurs some time (weeks) after initial infection.

[25] Another possible cause of Kidney disease is due to decreased function of xanthine oxidase in the purine degradation pathway.

Additional possible cause of nephropathy is due to the formation of cysts or pockets containing fluid within the kidneys.

[26] Newer agents such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) are also associated with similar injuries, as well as proteinuria, hypertension, and thrombotic microangiopathy.

[28] Treatment approaches for kidney disease focus on managing the symptoms, controlling the progression, and also treating co-morbidities that a person may have.

[29] The act of buying an organ through the black market is illegal in the United States.

[30] To be put on the waiting list for a kidney transplant, patients must first be referred by a physician, then they must choose and contact a donor hospital.