Disease: chronic kidney failure
Question: for chronic kidney failure, treatment of chronic kidney failure?
Answer: There is no cure for chronic kidney failure. However, certain measures can slow its progression.
Medication
Medication can help treat the symptoms of chronic kidney failure.
Kidney failure is linked to high blood pressure, so a doctor may prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure. You might also need medications called statins to lower your cholesterol level.
People with chronic kidney failure may also experience anemia. Anemia occurs when your body doesn�t produce enough red blood cells. Treatments for anemia can include:
a supplement to help increase your red blood cell production
iron pills or shots to help your body manufacture blood cells
a blood transfusion to improve your red blood cell health, in some cases
If your kidney problem causes fluid retention, medications called diuretics can help relieve your swelling. This medication makes you urinate frequently.
A doctor may also prescribe medication to support your bone health. This can include:
calcium supplements
vitamin D supplements, as vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption
phosphate binders, as high levels of phosphate can reduce calcium absorption
Antihistamines can help relieve itchy skin and antiemetics can help with nausea.
Diet
A doctor may also recommend certain dietary changes, including reducing your intake of certain nutrients.
These can include
:
Protein: As your body processes protein, it creates waste products. Your kidneys are responsible for filtering this waste. A lower protein diet makes their job easier.
Potassium: When your kidneys are not functioning well, they may not filter potassium properly. In people with chronic kidney failure, high levels of potassium (hyperkalemia) can be life threatening. It can lead to issues with heart function or paralysis. Doctors may recommend a low potassium diet.
Phosphate: Your kidneys may not be able to process phosphate either. Phosphate can also diminish your body�s ability to absorb calcium. High phosphate foods include fish, dairy products, eggs, and meat. You may need to eat less of these.
Salt and sodium: Consuming too much sodium can make it hard for your body to maintain fluid levels. Reading labels may help you manage your intake. Many prepared foods, such as canned soup or fast food, can be high in sodium.
You can work with a dietitian or a doctor to find out how much of these substances you should eat.
You may also need to limit your fluid intake so your kidneys don�t have to work too hard.
People with chronic kidney failure often lose weight. Make sure you�re consuming enough calories from foods approved and recommended by a dietitian.
Lifestyle
Certain lifestyle practices may help slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. These can include:
quitting smoking, if you smoke
keeping up to date on your vaccinations, including your flu shot
discuss supplements and over-the-counter (OTC) medications with a doctor before taking them
If you see other doctors for different conditions, always inform them of your kidney situation.
End stage treatment
If attempts to control your condition through diet and medication fail, you might face end stage kidney disease.
End stage kidney disease, also known as end stage renal disease (ESRD), occurs when your kidneys operate at less than 15%
of their full capacity. At this stage, your kidneys can no longer eliminate waste as fast as you produce it.
There are two treatment options for end stage kidney disease: dialysis and kidney transplant.Doctors typically try to postpone these options as long as possible because both carry serious risks.
Dialysis
Dialysis is a system for filtering waste products and excess fluids out of your blood.
The two main types of dialysis include:
Hemodialysis: In hemodialysis, your blood is filtered outside your body in a machine.
Peritoneal dialysis: In peritoneal dialysis, you fill your abdominal cavity with a special solution via a catheter. The solution absorbs excess fluid and waste before it�s drained from your body.
Because dialysis usually needs to be done several times a week, it�s a big lifestyle change. Dialysis also carries a risk of infection.
Kidney transplant
Kidney transplant is more convenient than dialysis if you can find an appropriate donor kidney. The donor needs to have the same blood type as you.
A kidney from a living sibling or other close relative is usually best. You could also get your kidney from a deceased donor.
However, kidney transplants also carry a large risk of infection because you will need lifelong immunosuppression.