What effect does cigarette smoking have on your kidneys?

People who smoke are more likely to have protein in the urine, which is a sign of kidney damage. Smokers are also more likely to need dialysis or kidney transplants.

Cigarette smoking is harmful to the kidneys in multiple ways. Research has found an association between cigarette smoke and an increased risk for bladder and kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma). Cigarette smoking also affects your cardiovascular system, leading to poor blood flow to the kidney and damage over time. There is also evidence that heavy metals found in cigarette smoke (such as lead and cadmium) have direct toxicity to kidney function. Nicotine can also accelerate damage done to the kidneys in other chronic diseases. For example, smoking can worsen high blood pressure and worsens kidney disease in patients with diabetes. It's important to remember that many of these harmful effects also occur with passive cigarette exposure (or second-hand smoke). It is best to avoid cigarette smoke altogether to maintain healthy kidneys and for good health overall.