End-Stage Renal Disease
Alternate Names : ESRD, End-Stage Kidney Disease, End-Stage Renal Failure
What are the treatments for the disease?
The treatments for end-stage renal disease include:
a diet that restricts protein,
potassium, and phosphorus
limited fluid intake
control of blood pressure by antihypertensive drugs
control of fluids by diuretics, or "water pills"
shots of erythropoetin to
improve anemia
use of bicarbonate to improve the pH balance of the blood
Once end-stage renal disease is diagnosed, a person needs to have either dialysis or a kidney transplant. In dialysis, a machine acts as a
healthy kidney would, filtering out waste products from the blood or other
fluids. Hemodialysis is the process of filtering out toxins from the blood and
returning the blood to the body. Peritoneal dialysis removes wastes from the
peritoneal cavity, which includes the belly and pelvic areas.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Side effects vary with the treatment used. All surgery may result
in bleeding, infection, and even death. There can be many complications with
dialysis, including infections, low blood pressure, and lung and heart
problems.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
A person who receives a kidney transplant needs lifelong
treatment with immunosuppressants. These are drugs that keep the body's immune
system from attacking the new kidney. Dialysis must be done on a regular
schedule. Diet is important for those with kidney failure. A person may be
referred to a dietician for advice.
How is the disease monitored?
A kidney specialist will monitor dialysis treatment or any effects after a
kidney transplant. Long-term follow-up is very important. A person should see
his or her healthcare provider regularly even if there are no symptoms.
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