My Story: Living with Reflux Nephropathy
My name is Divyanshu Malik, and my journey with kidney disease began at birth.
I was born with a rare condition known as reflux nephropathy, a type of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)- cause of kidneys failure in my case, where urine flows backward from the bladder toward the kidneys. This backflow creates pressure and inflammation, eventually causing permanent kidney damage.
For a decade, I had no idea this was happening inside me. The turning point came when I was just 10 years old. My orthopedic doctor noticed signs of renal rickets—a bone disease caused by kidney dysfunction—in both of my legs. That sign led to a series of medical tests, which revealed that one of my kidneys was already non-functional due to years of undiagnosed reflux.
That experience drove me to start Care for Kidney—a platform to help others detect kidney issues early and live healthier lives. Today, I work closely with Dr. P.P. Singh, a highly experienced Robotic Kidney Transplant and Urology Head & Director at Max Hospital Saket, to spread awareness and empower individuals and families affected by kidney disease.
Understanding Chronic Renal Failure
Chronic Renal Failure, or Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter blood and maintain essential body functions like fluid balance, electrolyte levels, and waste removal.
The progression is often silent in the early stages and may only become apparent once substantial damage has occurred.
Reflux Nephropathy: A Hidden Threat
Reflux nephropathy is a pediatric-onset disease, but its damage may not be discovered until adolescence or adulthood unless diagnosed early, as it happened in my case! but dont you worry, we aare here to spread awareness
What happens?
Urine that should flow out of the body instead backs up into the kidneys, causing:
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Infections (pyelonephritis)
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Pressure-related scarring of kidney tissues
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Shrinkage or underdevelopment of one or both kidneys
Common symptoms:
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Frequent UTIs in childhood
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Delayed growth or bone deformities (like rickets)
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High blood pressure at an unusually young age
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Side or abdominal pain
Importance of early screening:
Children with recurring UTIs or unexplained high blood pressure should be evaluated for urinary tract abnormalities using ultrasounds or a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG).
For more detailed information, refer to the StatPearls Reflux Nephropathy overview.
🔍 Expanded Causes of Chronic Renal Failure
1. Diabetes Mellitus
Chronic high blood sugar levels damage the microscopic blood vessels in the kidneys (glomeruli). This leads to diabetic nephropathy, the most common cause of CKD globally.
If not managed, diabetes causes:
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Protein leakage in urine (proteinuria)
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Fluid retention and swelling
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Kidney scarring over time
Managing blood sugar, blood pressure, and using RAAS-blocking medications can slow kidney damage.
2. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
Uncontrolled hypertension causes thickening and narrowing of blood vessels in the kidneys. This reduces blood flow, leading to ischemia (oxygen deprivation) and scarring.
Over time, kidneys become unable to:
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Regulate blood pressure
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Balance electrolytes
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Remove waste
Treatment involves ACE inhibitors, ARBs, lifestyle changes, and salt restriction.
3. Glomerular Diseases
These are conditions that damage the glomeruli, the kidneys’ tiny filtering units.
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Glomerulonephritis – inflammation, often immune-related
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FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis) – scarring from unknown or secondary causes
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Nephrotic Syndrome – protein loss, swelling, and lipid abnormalities
Often linked to infections, autoimmune disorders, or genetics.
4. Genetic & Congenital Conditions
These inherited or developmental issues can cause structural or functional kidney problems:
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Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) – fluid-filled cysts enlarge and impair both kidneys
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Alport Syndrome – genetic mutations in collagen affecting kidney filtering membranes
Diagnosis involves imaging, genetic testing, and family history reviews.
5. Infections
Chronic or recurrent kidney infections can lead to scarring and loss of function.
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Chronic pyelonephritis – usually from undiagnosed urinary reflux
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Hepatitis B & C – may directly damage kidneys or trigger glomerular inflammation
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Recurrent UTIs – especially dangerous in children and women
Timely antibiotic treatment and addressing anatomical defects are essential.
6. Medications & Environmental Toxins
Long-term or excessive use of certain drugs can be toxic to kidneys:
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NSAIDs like ibuprofen
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Certain antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides)
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Chemotherapy drugs
Environmental exposures include:
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Heavy metals (lead, mercury, cadmium)
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Pesticides and solvents
Regular monitoring and avoiding nephrotoxic agents is crucial for those with risk factors.
⚠️ Other Contributing Factors to Kidneys Failure
Here are several less-known but important causes:
✅ Kidney Stones
Repeated stone formation can obstruct urine flow and lead to infections or scarring.
✅ Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Chronically low blood pressure reduces kidney perfusion, causing ischemic damage.
✅ Urinary Tract Obstruction
Conditions like an enlarged prostate or ureteral strictures block urine outflow, leading to backpressure and damage.
✅ Autoimmune Diseases
Such as Lupus or Vasculitis, which cause immune system attacks on kidney tissues.
✅ Neurological Conditions
Damage to the nerves that control the bladder (from diabetes, spinal cord injury) can cause urinary retention and infection.
✅ Hemolytic–Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
A rare disease often triggered by E. coli infection, leading to destruction of red blood cells and kidney failure (more common in children).
✅ Sepsis & Burns
Major infections or trauma reduce blood flow to the kidneys, causing acute injury that may progress to chronic damage.
✅ Liver Cirrhosis
Liver dysfunction affects kidney blood flow regulation, especially in hepatorenal syndrome.
✅ Smoking & Obesity
Contribute to vascular damage, high blood pressure, and diabetes—all risk factors for CKD.
✅ Older Age & Genetics
Natural age-related decline in kidney function may combine with inherited risk to accelerate CKD.
✅ Dehydration (Chronic)
Long-term low fluid intake or working in extreme heat without rehydration increases kidney stress.
🎯 Risk Factors to Monitor
You are at greater risk if you have:
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Diabetes or high blood pressure
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A family history of kidney disease
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Repeated UTIs or kidney stones
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Long-term medication use (especially NSAIDs)
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Exposure to environmental toxins
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Autoimmune disorders
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Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, or smoking habits
Conclusion: Turning Adversity into Advocacy
Reflux nephropathy changed the course of my life. But it also gave me a purpose — to raise awareness about kidney health and encourage early screening.
With support from Dr. P.P. Singh, I’ve made it my mission to provide reliable, compassionate information to help people avoid what I went through.
Let’s work together to detect kidney disease early, adopt sustainable lifestyle habits, and create a kidney-conscious future.
My special advise to all my friends who have read till here, Please follow a healthy lifestyle, balanced Diet and love your parents.
