Treatment for chronic kidney disease depends on the stage of the disease, and is done to correct the defects caused by malfunction of the kidneys in order to delay their worsening.
Thus, treatment is guided by the nephrologist, and includes care with diet, correction of blood pressure and blood sugar levels, monitoring of the amount of urine produced and use of medicines such as diuretics, for example. In the most severe cases, dialysis or renal transplantation may be indicated.
Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure, arises when the kidneys fail as they should and can lead to complications such as changes in the levels of toxins, electrolytes, fluids, and pH in the blood. Understand kidney failure and its main symptoms.
Renal failure has no cure, and there is no drug that alone can help kidney function, however, there is treatment, which is indicated by the nephrologist. The main guidelines include:
1. High blood pressure control and diabetes
High blood pressure and diabetes are the main causes of chronic kidney disease, so it is very important that these diseases are well controlled to prevent worsening of the disease.
Thus, the nephrologist will always follow the tests that monitor these diseases, and if necessary, adjust the medications so that the pressure is preferably below 130x80mmHg and controlled blood glucose levels. In addition, it is also important to pay attention to cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
2. Caring for food
In the diet for renal failure, it is necessary to have special control of the intake of nutrients such as salt, phosphorus, potassium and protein, and in more severe cases also it may be necessary to control the consumption of liquids in general, such as water and juices.
Thus, it is recommended that the person with chronic kidney disease also be accompanied by a nutritionist, who can give more guidance on the appropriate amounts for each person, according to kidney function and symptoms presented.
Watch the video below for some guidelines from our nutritionist:
3. Use of medicines
In addition to medicines to control blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, if prescribed by your doctor, other medicines may also be needed to control certain complications of kidney failure, such as:
- Diuretics, such as Furosemide: indicated to increase urine output and decrease swelling;
- Erythropoietin : is a hormone produced by the kidneys, which may be decreased in renal failure, which can lead to anemia. Therefore, this hormone should be replaced if it is decreased and is responsible for anemia.
- Nutritional Supplementation : Calcium and vitamin D supplements may be needed to avoid the risk of fractures, deformities, and bone pain, which are more common in patients with chronic kidney disease. Supplements of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 may also be needed when there is anemia;
- Phosphate control remedies : deregulation of phosphate levels can occur with kidney failure and alter bone metabolism, so it may be advisable to use medicines that control their values such as Calcium Carbonate, Aluminum Hydroxide or Sevelamer.
These remedies are indicated by the nephrologist, and are usually needed when there is already a moderate to severe impairment of kidney function.
The doctor should also guide the medicines that should be avoided because they are toxic to the kidneys, like some antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, for example.
4. Have healthy lifestyle habits
Practicing physical exercise, not smoking, avoiding alcohol, keeping weight under control and avoiding stress are some of the healthy recommendations that help improve the body's metabolism, functioning of blood flow and protect the health of the kidneys, helping to contain the progression renal failure.
Treatment for advanced kidney disease
To treat advanced kidney failure, where the kidneys no longer work or work very little, dialysis is needed, which consists of using a machine to replace kidney function and remove excess fluids and toxins from the blood. Dialysis can be done through hemodialysis sessions or peritoneal dialysis. Understand what hemodialysis is and how it works.
Another possibility is to do a kidney transplant, however, it is not always possible to find a compatible donor and not always the person has medical indication or clinical conditions to undergo surgery. Learn more in Kidney Transplantation: How It Is Done and How It Is.
