Smoking and Kidney Disease
How smoking damages the kidneys and why quitting helps.
Last updated: 2026-09-24
Smoking damages blood vessels throughout the body, including the kidneys, and speeds up damage in people with diabetes or high blood pressure.
Quitting helps
Quitting slows progression and reduces heart risk.
Frequently asked questions
Does smoking cause kidney failure?
It is not usually the sole cause but strongly worsens kidney disease.