What do you do if you have kidney disease?

Treatments might include:
  1. High blood pressure medications. ...
  2. Medications to relieve swelling. ...
  3. Medications to treat anemia. ...
  4. Medications to lower cholesterol levels. ...
  5. Medications to protect your bones. ...
  6. A lower protein diet to minimize waste products in your blood.


Can kidney disease be treated?

There's no cure for chronic kidney disease (CKD), but treatment can help relieve the symptoms and stop it getting worse. Your treatment will depend on the stage of your CKD. The main treatments are: lifestyle changes – to help you stay as healthy as possible.

What is the best thing to do for kidney disease?

6 Things People with Kidney Disease Should Do:

Lower high blood pressure. Manage blood sugar levels. Reduce salt intake. Avoid NSAIDs, a type of painkiller.


What are the first signs of kidney disease?

Symptoms
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Fatigue and weakness.
  • Sleep problems.
  • Urinating more or less.
  • Decreased mental sharpness.
  • Muscle cramps.


Can you survive kidney disease?

Many people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are able to live long lives without being unduly affected by the condition. Although it's not possible to repair damage that has already happened to your kidneys, CKD will not necessarily get worse. CKD only reaches an advanced stage in a small proportion of people.


ABCs of Kidney Disease | Treatment Options for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)



What happens if you have kidney disease?

When your kidneys are damaged, waste products and fluid can build up in your body. That can cause swelling in your ankles, nausea, weakness, poor sleep, and shortness of breath. Without treatment, the damage can get worse and your kidneys may eventually stop working. That's serious, and it can be life-threatening.

Does kidney disease go away on its own?

Chronic kidney disease usually does not go away. Kidney disease can be treated. The earlier you know you have it, the better your chances of receiving effective treatment. Blood and urine tests are used to check for kidney disease.

What foods help repair kidneys?

The Best Foods for Kidney Health
  • Dark leafy greens. Dark leafy green vegetables such as kale, spinach, chard, and collard greens are loaded with vitamins A and C, calcium, and many other important minerals. ...
  • Berries. ...
  • Cranberries. ...
  • Sweet potatoes. ...
  • Olive oil. ...
  • Fatty fish. ...
  • Cabbage.


How long can you live with kidney disease?

For a 60-year-old man, stage 1 kidney disease life expectancy will be approximately 15 years. That figure falls to 13 years, 8 years, and 6 years in the second, third, and fourth stages of kidney disease respectively. For a 60-year old woman, stage 1 life expectancy is 18 years, while stage 2 is only one year less.

What is the main cause for kidney disease?

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Can kidney disease get better?

While it's not possible to reverse kidney damage, you can take steps to slow it down. Taking prescribed medicine, being physically active, and eating well will help. You'll also feel better and improve your overall well-being.


Is kidney disease serious?

CKD can range from a mild condition with no or few symptoms, to a very serious condition where the kidneys stop working, sometimes called kidney failure. Most people with CKD will be able to control their condition with medicine and regular check-ups.

What does kidney disease feel like?

A severe decrease in kidney function can lead to a buildup of toxins and impurities in the blood. This can cause people to feel tired, weak and can make it hard to concentrate. Another complication of kidney disease is anemia, which can cause weakness and fatigue. You're having trouble sleeping.

What is the first stage of kidney failure?

In Stage 1 CKD, the damage to your kidneys is mild. Your kidneys are still working well, but you may have signs of kidney damage or physical damage to your kidneys. Stage 1 CKD means you have a normal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 90 or greater, but there is protein in your urine (i.e., your pee).


What are the 5 stages of kidney disease?

Five stages of chronic kidney disease
  • Stage 1 with normal or high GFR (GFR > 90 mL/min)
  • Stage 2 Mild CKD (GFR = 60-89 mL/min)
  • Stage 3A Moderate CKD (GFR = 45-59 mL/min)
  • Stage 3B Moderate CKD (GFR = 30-44 mL/min)
  • Stage 4 Severe CKD (GFR = 15-29 mL/min)
  • Stage 5 End Stage CKD (GFR <15 mL/min)


How do you feel when your kidneys are failing?

Signs and symptoms of acute kidney failure may include: Decreased urine output, although occasionally urine output remains normal. Fluid retention, causing swelling in your legs, ankles or feet. Shortness of breath.

How do you know if your kidneys are struggling?

Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice any of these potential CKD signs and symptoms:
  • Changes in urination. Healthy kidneys help filter blood to create urine. ...
  • Fatigue. ...
  • Itching. ...
  • Swelling in your hands, legs, or feet. ...
  • Shortness of breath. ...
  • Pain in the small of your back. ...
  • Decreased appetite. ...
  • Puffiness around your eyes.


What age does kidney disease usually start?

CKD by Age, Sex, and Race/Ethnicity. According to current estimates: CKD is more common in people aged 65 years or older (38%) than in people aged 45–64 years (12%) or 18–44 years (6%). CKD is slightly more common in women (14%) than men (12%).

How can I treat my kidney disease at home?

Lifestyle and home remedies
  1. Avoid products with added salt. Lower the amount of sodium you eat each day by avoiding products with added salt, including many convenience foods, such as frozen dinners, canned soups and fast foods. ...
  2. Choose lower potassium foods. ...
  3. Limit the amount of protein you eat.


How can I heal my kidney disease naturally?

Several studies recommend that the only real long-term solution to kidney disease is to drink more clean water, get more exercise and, most importantly, to reject processed and unhealthy foods in favour of natural whole foods.


How can I improve my kidney function fast?

Avoid processed foods and choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead. Follow a low-salt diet. Salt should be limited especially if you have high blood pressure, protein in your urine, or swelling, or difficulty breathing. Eating less than 2000 mg a day of sodium is recommended.

Which medicine is best for kidney disease?

“ACE” inhibitors, such as …
  • Captopril (Capoten)
  • Enalapril (Vasotec)
  • Fosinopril (Monopril)
  • Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril)
  • Ramipril (Altace)


What happens if kidney disease goes untreated?

If left untreated, CKD can progress to kidney failure and early cardiovascular disease. When the kidneys stop working, dialysis or kidney transplant is needed for survival. Kidney failure treated with dialysis or kidney transplant is called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Learn more about ESRD.


Is kidney disease an emergency?

In people with acute kidney failure, though, kidney failure develops rapidly over a few hours or a few days. People at high risk are those who are already hospitalized, or who are critically ill from other causes and need intensive care. Acute kidney failure requires immediate treatment.

How long does it take for kidney disease to get worse?

The damage can happen quickly – when it's caused by injury or toxins – or, more commonly, over months or years. High blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes are the two most common causes of chronic kidney disease.