About this topic
End stage kidney disease is also called kidney failure. The kidneys are bean-shaped organs in the back of your belly. They sit just above your waist and filter your blood. The kidneys get rid of waste products and extra fluid from your body. The waste is turned into urine. ‚
Sometimes, your kidneys do not work well. You are in kidney failure when your kidneys are no longer able to remove waste from your blood. You have a lot of damage to your kidneys. They are only working at 10 to 15 percent of what they normally would. This may happen all of a sudden or slowly over time. ‚
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What are the causes?
Kidney failure can be caused by many things like: ‚
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- A disease that is passed on to you from your parents
- Problems with your immune system
- Older age
- Problems with how your kidneys work, like polycystic kidneys or reflux
- Certain drugs
- Repeated kidney stones or kidney infections
What are the main signs?
If you have kidney failure, you may have signs like: ‚
- Swelling of your hands, feet, and face from extra fluids
- High blood pressure
- Upset stomach or throwing up
- Chest pain or problems breathing
- Muscle twitches and cramps
- Feeling tired
- Headaches
- Itching and skin changes
- Bleeding inside of your body
- Confusion
- Seizures or coma
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription, over the counter, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor if you have any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are: Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
Your doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚
- Lab tests (blood and urine)
- Ultrasounds
- CT scan
- Kidney biopsy
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Based on your condition, your doctor may suggest dialysis or a kidney transplant to treat your kidney failure. At this stage of illness, your kidneys will not likely get better. You may be able to keep them from getting worse with diet and drugs.
- If you are going to need dialysis for a long time, your doctor may put in a special kind of I.V. or join two blood vessels together to form a shunt, often in your arm. This will provide easy or frequent access to your blood system for dialysis. This is called hemodialysis.
- Your doctor may recommend a different type of dialysis that is done through a tube that is placed in your belly in surgery. This is called peritoneal dialysis.
Are there other health problems to treat?
Your kidney failure may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure, or other health problems. You will need to continue to treat these health problems. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- You may need some kind of dialysis to treat your kidney failure. Dialysis often needs to be done a few times a week or more often, depending on the kind of dialysis.
- If you are waiting for a kidney transplant, you may have to stay close by the transplant center.
- Your doctor may have you stay away from foods that are high in water, potassium, phosphorus, and sodium or salt. You may also need to eat foods that are high in calories and protein.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower blood pressure
- Control blood sugar levels
- Lower cholesterol
- Slow down kidney failure
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Doing these things may help to keep your kidneys working better longer: ‚
- Watch your salt intake. You may need to see a dietitian to help you learn how to minimize your salt intake to a safe and tasty level.
- Eat low-fat foods like lean cuts of meat, fish, skinless chicken and turkey, legumes, and low-fat milk.
- Keep blood sugar levels under control if you have diabetes.
- Keep your blood pressure lower than 130/80.
- Be careful when taking over-the-counter pain drugs. Never exceed the dose advised by your doctor or recommended on the package label. Talk to your doctor about what drugs are safe for you.
- Keep a healthy weight. If you weigh too much, lose weight.
- Exercise more often.
- If you smoke, stop smoking.
- Limit or stop drinking beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
Where can I learn more?
American Kidney Fund ‚
http://www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-health/kidney-failure/ ‚
American Urological Foundation ‚
http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=20 ‚
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Kidney_failure ‚
National Kidney Disease Education Program ‚
http://nkdep.nih.gov/living/kidney-failure.shtml ‚
National Kidney Foundation ‚
http://www.kidney.org/kidneydisease/twosimpletests.cfm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚