N14: Drug- and heavy-metal-induced tubulo-interstitial and tubular conditions

N14.0: Analgesic nephropathy

There are normally 2 kidneys in the body. They filter blood and create urine. They thus help to detoxify the body. Furthermore, the kidneys regulate the blood pressure and salt content in the blood, among other things.

Taking certain types of medication regularly over a period of several years can damage the kidneys. These medications include, in particular, those that contain several painkillers at the same time.

Kidney disease can cause various symptoms. It can initially go unnoticed or cause mild symptoms only. You often have some blood or protein in your urine as a result of the disease. You may also have headaches, loin pain or problems related to blood pressure.

If the damage to the kidneys is more severe they may stop producing sufficient urine. This means that the body may retain fluid or even harmful substances. If the kidneys start to fail this can cause severe illness.