Treatment for chronic kidney disease depends on the stage at which the disease is, and is done with the aim of correcting defects caused by kidney malfunction, in order to delay its worsening.
Thus, the treatment is guided by the nephrologist, and includes care with the diet, correction of blood pressure and blood sugar levels, surveillance of the amount of urine produced and use of medicines such as diuretics, for example. In the most severe cases, dialysis or kidney transplantation may be indicated.
Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure, arises when the kidneys fail to function as they should, and can cause complications such as changes in the levels of toxins, electrolytes, fluids and blood pH. Understand what kidney failure is and its main symptoms.
Renal failure has no cure, and there is no medication that alone can help the kidneys function, however, there is treatment, which is indicated by the nephrologist. The main guidelines include:
1. Control of high blood pressure 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 the disease from getting worse.
Thus, the nephrologist will always accompany the tests that monitor these diseases, and if necessary, adjust the medications so that the pressure is preferably below 130x80 mmHg and the blood glucose levels are controlled. 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 the most severe cases it may also be necessary to control the consumption of fluids in general, such as water and juices.
Thus, it is recommended that the person with chronic kidney disease should also be accompanied by a nutritionist, who will be able to give more guidance on the appropriate amounts for each person, according to the function of the kidneys 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 indicated by the doctor, other medicines may also be needed to control some complications of kidney failure, such as:
- Diuretics, such as Furosemide: indicated to increase urine production and decrease swelling;
- Erythropoietin: is a hormone produced by the kidneys, which may be reduced in renal failure, which can cause anemia. Therefore, this hormone must be replaced, if it is decreased and is responsible for anemia.
- Nutritional supplementation: calcium and vitamin D supplements may be necessary to avoid the risk of fractures, deformities and bone pain, which are more common in patients with chronic kidney disease. Iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements may also be needed when there is anemia;
- Remedies to control phosphate: dysregulation in phosphate levels can arise with kidney failure and alter bone metabolism, so it may be indicated to use drugs that control their values, such as calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide or Sevelamer.
These remedies are indicated by the nephrologist, and are usually necessary when there is already a moderate to severe impairment of the functioning of the kidneys.
The doctor should also advise the remedies that should be avoided, as they are toxic to the kidneys, such as some antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, for example.
4. Having healthy lifestyle habits
Practicing physical exercises, not smoking, avoiding alcoholic beverages, keeping your weight under control and avoiding stress are some of the healthy recommendations that help to improve the body's metabolism, blood flow functioning and protect kidney health, helping to contain progression renal failure.
Treatment for advanced kidney disease
To treat advanced kidney failure, in which the kidneys no longer work or work very little, dialysis is required, 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 have a kidney transplant, however, it is not always possible to find a compatible donor and the person does not always have a medical indication or clinical conditions to undergo surgery. Find out more at Kidney Transplant: how it is done and how it is recovering.
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