Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment based on:
How old you are
Your overall health and medical history
How sick you are
How well you can handle specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
How long the condition is expected to last
Your opinion or preference
Treatment may include hospitalization and:
Intravenous (IV) fluids
Diuretic therapy (medicines to increase urine output)
Closely watching electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and calcium and heart rhythm, as the heart muscle is at risk for changes in these electrolytes
Medicines (to control blood pressure)
Specific diet needs
In some cases, you can have electrolyte problems and toxic levels of waste products normally removed by the kidneys. You may also develop fluid overload. Dialysis may be needed in these cases.
Treatment of chronic kidney failure depends on the how much kidney function you still have.
Dialysis
Dialysis is used to treat both acute and chronic kidney failure. It involves removing waste substances and fluid from the blood that are normally removed by the kidneys. Dialysis may also be used for people who have been exposed to or ingested toxic substances. In this case, dialysis is used to prevent kidney failure. There are 2 types of dialysis; peritoneal and hemodialysis.
Peritoneal dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis is done by surgically placing a soft, hollow tube, called a catheter, into the lower abdomen near the navel. A solution called dialysate is passed through the tube into the peritoneal cavity. This is the space in the abdomen that houses the organs. It is lined by 2 membrane layers called the peritoneum. The solution is left in the abdomen for a certain amount of time. There, it soaks up the waste products and toxins through the peritoneum. The fluid is drained from the abdomen, measured and discarded. There are 3 different types of peritoneal dialysis:
Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). This type does not need a machine. Exchanges, often referred to as passes, can be done 3 to 5 times a day during waking hours.
Continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis (CCPD). This type needs a dialysis machine that can be used in the home. This type of dialysis is done automatically, even while you are asleep.
Intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD). IPD uses the same type of machine as CCPD, but treatments take longer. IPD can be done at home, but usually is done in the hospital.
Possible complications of peritoneal dialysis include an infection or inflammation of the peritoneum. This is called peritonitis. It causes fever and stomach pain.
A dietitian will help you plan your meals based on your healthcare provider's orders. Generally:
You may have special protein, salt, and fluid needs.
You may have special potassium restrictions.
You may need to cut calories. The sugar in the dialysate may cause weight gain.
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis can be done at home or in a dialysis center or hospital. An access site is surgically made, usually in your arm. This involves joining an artery and a vein together. After access has been made, you will be connected to a large hemodialysis machine that drains the blood. The blood is bathed in a dialysate solution which removes waste substances and fluid. Then the clean blood is returned to your bloodstream.
Hemodialysis is usually done several times a week and lasts for 4 to 5 hours. During treatment you can read, write, sleep, talk, or watch TV.
At home, hemodialysis is done with the help of a partner, often a family member or friend. If you choose to do home hemodialysis, you and your partner will get training.
Possible complications of hemodialysis include muscle cramps and a sudden drop in blood pressure. This may cause you to feel dizzy or weak, or sick to your stomach.
By following the proper diet and taking medicines, as prescribed by your healthcare provider, you may be able to avoid complications. A dietitian will work with you to plan your meals, according to your healthcare provider's orders. Generally:
You may eat foods high in protein such as meat and chicken (animal proteins).
You may need to limit foods containing potassium.
You may need to limit the amount you drink.
You may need to avoid salt.
You may need to limit foods containing mineral phosphorus (such as milk, cheese, nuts, dried beans, and soft drinks).
Other treatment choices may include:
Medicines (to help with growth, prevent bone density loss, and/or to treat anemia)
Diuretic therapy (medicines to increase urine output)
Specific diet changes
Kidney transplant