Many kidney diseases can be treated. Treatment may include diet changes or medications. The type of treatment depends on the kind of kidney disease.
If kidney problems become very serious, dialysis may be needed. Hemodialysis uses a machine to clean the blood when the kidneys cannot do this job well enough.
Medication doses may need to be adjusted when kidney function decreases. This is sometimes called “renal dosing.” If the kidneys are not working well, medicines can build up in the body and cause harm.
Diet
Talk with a kidney dietitian for help planning a healthy diet that meets your needs. This is especially important if you have advanced kidney disease.
People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often need to limit protein, especially from animal foods. They may also need to limit foods high in phosphorus and potassium. A dietitian can help plan safe meals. Some people may need medications to lower phosphorus levels.
Medications
Many medicines must be avoided or used with caution in people with kidney disease. These include:
- NSAIDs (pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen)
- Some antihistamines
- Many antibiotics
- Some heart medicines, including certain blood thinners
People with kidney disease may also need:
- Iron pills, if they have anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Vitamin D supplements (these must be closely monitored because they can raise the risk of kidney stones)
- Medicines to lower phosphate levels (a mineral in the blood)
Treatment is different depending on the type of kidney disease. Click on the below topics to read more.