Smoking damages nearly every organ in the body, including the kidneys. The link between smoking and chronic kidney disease (CKD) was first established in 1978, and numerous studies have since reinforced this connection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations, smoking is a leading risk factor for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Read about how smoking affects CKD and how quitting can delay kidney failure, and learn some smoking cessation tips for improved quality of life.*

Smoking and Kidney Damage

Smoking has multiple detrimental effects on kidney function. These include.

• Increased blood pressure and heart rate. Smoking leads to higher blood pressure and a faster heart rate, both of which strain the kidneys.
• Reduced blood flow. The kidneys receive less blood flow, impairing their ability to function properly.
• Hormonal imbalances. Smoking increases the production of angiotensin II, a hormone produced in the kidneys that can lead to vasoconstriction.
• Vascular damage. The blood vessels within the kidneys narrow, and the arterioles (small branches of arteries) sustain damage.
• Arteriosclerosis. Smoking contributes to the thickening and hardening of the renal arteries, further impeding kidney function.
• Loss of kidney function. Overall, smoking accelerates the decline of kidney function, making it a significant risk factor for CKD progression.

In addition to the harmful effects of tobacco, smoking introduces various other toxins into the body, exacerbating kidney damage. 

According to the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), smoking increases the risk of proteinuria, a condition characterized by excessive protein in the urine, which is a marker of kidney damage.

Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and Heart Disease

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the primary causes of CKD. Studies indicate that smoking exacerbates the risk of developing CKD in individuals with these conditions. Specifically.

• Diabetes. Smokers with diabetes are more likely to develop kidney disease than non-smokers. Smoking accelerates the onset and progression of renal disease in diabetics.
• High blood pressure. For hypertensive individuals, smoking further increases the likelihood of kidney disease. The combined effect of smoking and high blood pressure significantly heightens the risk of CKD.

For individuals with kidney disease, smoking cessation is one of the most important steps to slow the progression of both kidney and heart failure. 

Smoking after a kidney transplant harms your chances of survival due to the increased risk of cardiovascular problems. The best outcomes for kidney transplant recipients are associated with smoking cessation, emphasizing the critical need for smokers to quit.

Tips to Stop Smoking

Given the strong link between smoking and renal failure, quitting smoking is essential. Here are some strategies to help you succeed.

• Nicotine-replacement therapies. Talk to your doctor about options like nicotine gums, patches, or medications such as Zyban.
• Set a quit date. Plan a specific day to stop smoking and dispose of all tobacco products beforehand.
• Craving management. Use gum, hard candy, low-calorie snacks, or longer meal times to manage cravings. Deep breathing and meditation can also help.
• Support systems. Reach out to telephone quitlines, websites, friends, and family for support.
• Quit-smoking programs. Join a structured program to increase your chances of success.
• Persistence. Keep trying until you succeed in quitting smoking, as the effort to become smoke-free is well worth it for your health.

Quitting smoking can significantly slow CKD’s progression to kidney failure and improve your quality of life.

*DaVita Kidney Care. (n.d.) Smoking and Chronic Kidney Disease. Retrieved from https.//www.davita.com/education/ckd-life/lifestyle-changes/smoking-and-chronic-kidney-disease#.~ 

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