Kidney Failure Treatment
We will determine your specific treatment for kidney failure based on the extent of the disease as well as:
- Your age, overall health and medical history
- Type of kidney disease (acute or chronic)
- Underlying cause of the disease
- Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
- Your expectations, opinions and preferences
Chronic Kidney Failure Treatment
Treatment options for chronic kidney failure depend on the degree of kidney function that remains. We may need to hospitalize you in order to properly treat you and monitor your progress. Treatment may include:
Medications to:
- Control blood pressure
- Help with growth
- Prevent bone density loss
- Treat anemia
- Increase urine output (diuretic therapy or medications)
- Specific diet restrictions
- Intravenous (IV) fluids in large volumes to replace depleted blood volume
- Monitoring of important electrolytes such as potassium, sodium and calcium
- Kidney transplantation
Dialysis for Kidney Failure
In some cases, you may develop severe electrolyte disturbances. Since the kidneys aren't functioning normally and eliminating waste products, you may develop toxic levels of waste products. Patients may also develop fluid overload. We may recommend dialysis in these cases. Dialysis is a machine that takes over the function of your kidneys. Learn more about dialysis.
End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD): Prognosis
People with ESRD are living longer than ever. Though dialysis treatments (both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis) are not cures for ESRD, they will help you feel better and live longer.
Over time, ESRD can cause other problems such as bone disease, high blood pressure, nerve damage and anemia (having too few red blood cells). We will discuss prevention methods and treatment options with you.