Treatment of Kidney failure

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Depending on the cause of kidney failure, the early stages may be slowed down or improved by treating the underlying cause.

Changing your diet can ease the strain on the kidneys, for example reducing intake of protein and phosphate. Foods that are rich in protein include eggs, meat and milk. The body needs some proteins to keep healthy but a GP or nutritionist can advise on the amount that should be eaten. Foods such as muesli, and some seafood and cheeses, are rich in phosphate. It is extremely difficult to cut out all phosphates so medicines called phosphate binders may be prescribed to prevent this mineral from being absorbed into the blood.

Certain drugs, such as ACE inhibitors, can also be prescribed to lower blood pressure and help the kidneys to function.

In cases of full kidney failure (of both kidneys), two main options are open to the medical team.

Kidney transplant, in which a functioning kidney from a donor is surgically grafted into the patient, has a good rate of success. However, there is a shortage of suitable donors and a risk that the new organ will be rejected. This means that the patient is required to take a large number of anti-rejection drugs, and due to the effects of kidney failure and these drugs, diseases of the circulation are common to recipients of transplants. The anti-rejection drugs also increase the risk of getting certain types of cancer.

Dialysis is the option for ongoing treatment, often used while waiting for a suitable transplant opportunity. It can take place at home or in hospital and involves using a machine to artificially filter the blood of waste products and excess water. It is not as efficient as a human kidney, so people with kidney failure usually need to restrict their intake of fluid and of certain foods. They also require additional medicines such as iron supplements, phosphate binders, and antihypertensive medicine (to reduce blood pressure).