Chronic renal failure, or chronic kidney disease, is a medical condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function. Because the kidneys are responsible for filtering waste from the blood, declining performance can lead to serious medical consequences, including anemia, metabolic and nerve problems, heart failure and brain malfunction. Treatment for chronic renal failure varies depending upon the severity of kidney function loss.
Medication
Doctors may prescribe medication to treat the symptoms and complications arising from chronic renal failure. Chronic disease can impair the kidney’s ability to filter substances from the blood stream, leading to a buildup of parathyroid hormone, electrolytes--minerals such as potassium and phosphorus--and cholesterol, according to Merck.com. These imbalances can lead to serious complications including edema, anemia, hypertension, heart arrhythmias and heart failure. Pre-existing or underlying medical disorders that can cause or exacerbate chronic renal disease, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, may also be treated with medication. The rate of kidney function decline may decrease upon treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers--drugs that help to dilate blood vessels, improve blood circulation and lower hypertension; however, Merck.com notes that these drugs are not appropriate for patients with severe or end-stage kidney failure. Patients who develop anemia may benefit from iron supplements and erythropoietin shots, while those with increasing phosphate levels may be treated with medications called phosphate binders, according to Medline Plus.
Medline Plus also advises that--if they have not already done so or are not up-to-date--patients with chronic renal failure should also receive vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, swine flu and seasonal influenza, as well as pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV)--a vaccine that helps prevent serious infections from the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Dietary Changes
Patients with chronic renal failure typically must modify their diet to accommodate declining kidney function. Doctors may advise you to limit your intake of fluid and foods and beverages containing electrolytes like sodium, potassium and phosphorus, according to Medline Plus. Failing kidneys typically have a hard time processing the waste in protein; therefore, your physician may also advise that you go on a low-protein diet to avoid overtaxing the kidneys, according to MayoClinic.com.
Dialysis
Individuals with severe or end-stage chronic renal failure often receive dialysis--a treatment that involves the use of a machine to remove waste and fluid from the bloodstream once the kidneys are no longer able to perform this job on their own. According to MayoClinic.com, there are two types of dialysis. Hemodialysis is a procedure that involves pumping blood out of your body and into a machine that filters it and subsequently returns it back into your bloodstream. Peritoneal dialysis is a less common type of dialysis in which patients inject a sterile fluid through a catheter into their abdomen. The solution draws out waste and excess fluid from the blood vessels in the abdominal lining and is eventually pumped out of the body. This type of dialysis is usually reserved for those who are unable to tolerate hemodialysis or who need to minimize the disruption and impact of treatment on work or daily living.
Kidney Transplant
A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure involving the replacement of a failing kidney with that of a healthy donor kidney. According to MayoClinic.com, donor kidneys may come from deceased or healthy, living individuals. To be eligible for a kidney transplant, patients usually must have no other life-threatening diseases. Many patients undergo dialysis for some period of time while waiting for a donor kidney to become available.
