Learn about chronic kidney disease treatment, including treatment goals, lifestyle considerations, medications, monitoring, dialysis, transplantation, and tips for understanding kidney care information. This guide provides general information about managing CKD, monitoring kidney function, addressing related health conditions, and understanding treatment options that may be considered as kidney disease progresses.
Chronic kidney disease treatment focuses on managing the condition, protecting remaining kidney function, and addressing related health concerns. Treatment can vary depending on the stage of kidney disease, underlying cause, symptoms, laboratory results, and other health factors. Regular monitoring can help healthcare professionals track kidney function and identify changes over time. Treatment approaches may include lifestyle adjustments, medications, management of blood pressure and blood sugar, nutritional guidance, dialysis, or kidney transplantation in advanced cases. This guide explains common treatment approaches and important factors to understand when researching chronic kidney disease. Individual treatment decisions should always be discussed with qualified healthcare professionals.
Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition in which the kidneys become damaged or lose some of their ability to function properly. Chronic kidney disease treatment generally focuses on slowing progression, managing complications, and supporting overall health. The appropriate approach depends on the underlying cause and stage of kidney disease.
Treatment plans are generally based on kidney function, underlying conditions, laboratory results, symptoms, and other individual factors. Healthcare professionals may monitor kidney function and other health indicators regularly.
Common areas of treatment may include:
Regular monitoring is an important part of managing chronic kidney disease. Blood and urine tests can provide information about kidney function and other health indicators.
Monitoring may involve:
Depending on the cause and stage of kidney disease, healthcare professionals may recommend medications to manage related conditions or reduce certain risks. Medication choices can vary considerably between individuals.
Treatment may involve medicines intended to help manage:
Medications should only be used according to guidance from a qualified healthcare professional.
Lifestyle and nutrition can be important parts of chronic kidney disease management. However, dietary requirements can vary according to kidney function, laboratory results, medications, and other health conditions.
Topics that may be discussed with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian include:
Individual dietary changes should not be made without appropriate professional guidance.
When kidney function becomes severely reduced, additional treatment approaches may be considered. The appropriate option depends on individual circumstances and medical assessment.
Advanced treatment may include:
These approaches have different requirements, benefits, risks, and considerations.
Dialysis can help perform some functions that healthy kidneys normally carry out when kidney function becomes severely impaired. Hemodialysis generally uses a machine and filtration system, while peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen as part of the filtration process.
The choice of dialysis approach depends on medical circumstances, lifestyle considerations, and clinical evaluation.
A kidney transplant may be considered for some people with advanced kidney disease. Transplantation involves extensive evaluation and ongoing medical care.
Important areas of consideration can include:
A transplant team can explain whether this approach may be appropriate for an individual.