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How Do You Treat Low Kidney Function

Treatment Options For Low Creatinine

How do I get kidney disease? (What are the causes of kidney disease?)

Treatment options for low creatinine depend on the underlying cause. If you have a muscular disease, treatment focuses on treating the related condition and reducing muscle pain, weakness, and degeneration. Options include corticosteroids to improve your muscle strength or therapy to improve your quality of life.

Low creatinine levels due to pregnancy should normalize after giving birth.

If youre taking a medication that contributes to a lower level, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage or switching to another medication.

Can I Keep Working With Kidney Failure

Many people with kidney failure continue to work. KidneyWorks is a program to help people with kidney disease keep working. The program focuses on Americans with CKD whose kidneys have not yet failed or who are living with a transplant. If you are on dialysis, the information in the KidneyWorks paper may also provide tips to help you keep your job.

The Americans with Disabilities Act means that an employer cant legally fire you just because youre on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant. The law requires an employer to make reasonable changes to the workplace for a person with a disability. For example, your employer may give you lighter physical jobs or schedule your work hours around your dialysis sessions. If youre on peritoneal dialysis, youll need space and time to change the dialysis solution in the middle of the work day. Most employers can make these adjustments.

If your employer isnt willing to meet your needs, your dialysis clinics renal social worker may be able to help find a way to satisfy both you and your employer.

How Is Low Kidney Function Treated

Low kidney function, also known as chronic kidney disease, is treated with medications that control high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anemia and swelling, notes Mayo Clinic. Low functioning kidneys that are in end-stage kidney disease require a kidney transplant or artificial blood filtration by dialysis.

Chronic kidney disease results in a gradual loss of kidney function, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Individuals with the disease are unable to filter waste products and excess water that build up in the blood. Waste products that accumulate in the blood produce symptoms that include anemia, insomnia, high blood pressure and muscle cramping.

The specific treatment chosen to treat chronic kidney disease depends on the underlying cause of the disease, notes the National Kidney Foundation. While several conditions contribute to chronic kidney disease, diabetes and high blood pressure account for up to two-thirds of the cases.

Chronic kidney disease that is caused by high blood pressure is treated with medications, such as agiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, diuretics and a low-salt diet, says Mayo Clinic. Disease cases caused by anemia are treated with erythropoietin hormone and iron supplements. A diet with lower protein is sometimes recommended to limit the amount of waste that the kidneys must remove from the blood.

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Healthy Kidneys Helps Us To :

#1. remove waste by-products of digestion and muscular activity from our blood

#2:balance water and concentration of minerals in our body;

#3:synthesize the enzyme renin required to maintain optimal blood pressure

#4 synthesize the enzyme erythropoietin, which in turn stimulates the production of erythrocytes.

Kidneys also help maintain optimal bone health by synthesizing an active form of vitamin D. Continued loss of renal function over time, which may range from months to years, is referred to as kidney disease.

Kidney disease occursas a result of genetic problems, some injury, or overreaction to some drugs. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or genetic predisposition are at greater risk of developing it.

The disease glomerulonephritis also brings about the continued loss of kidney functioning. Kidney stones, prostate disease, pinworm infestation of the kidney, vasculitis, polycystic kidney disease, and hemolytic-uremic syndrome are also the causative factors of kidney disease.

Long-distance runners who ignore fluid consumption may develop acute renal failure that damages their kidneys.

What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease

Kidney Failure Treats

Although chronic kidney disease sometimes results from primary diseases of the kidneys themselves, the major causes are diabetes and high blood pressure.

  • Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus cause a condition called diabetic nephropathy, which is the leading cause of kidney disease in the United States.
  • High blood pressure , if not controlled, can damage the kidneys over time.
  • Glomerulonephritis is the inflammation and damage of the filtration system of the kidneys, which can cause kidney failure. Postinfectious conditions and lupus are among the many causes of glomerulonephritis.
  • Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary cause of chronic kidney disease wherein both kidneys have multiple cysts.
  • Use of analgesics such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen , and naproxen regularly over long durations of time can cause analgesic nephropathy, another cause of kidney disease. Certain other medications can also damage the kidneys.
  • Clogging and hardening of the arteries leading to the kidneys causes a condition called ischemic nephropathy, which is another cause of progressive kidney damage.
  • Obstruction of the flow of urine by stones, an enlarged prostate, strictures , or cancers may also cause kidney disease.
  • Other causes of chronic kidney disease include HIV infection, sickle cell disease, heroin abuse, amyloidosis, kidney stones, chronic kidney infections, and certain cancers.
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Choices If You Have Established Renal Failure

If you have established renal failure , you will need to decide whether to have treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant. You may decide to have neither treatment and to have supportive care. These choices should be made with your healthcare team.

For people who want active treatment for their ERF, a transplant would be the best option. However, a transplant is only suitable for about half of all people with ERF. This is because they may have had recent cancer or;are not physically fit.

Many people who have slowly progressive kidney failure and other serious health problems, and who are usually older, may choose to avoid dialysis. Supportive care can still allow you to live for some time with a good quality of life.

What Is The Prognosis And Life Expectancy For Kidney Failure Can It Be Prevented

The outlook for kidney failure depends upon the underlying condition that caused it. Kidney function may return to normal, especially if it is due to an acute obstruction and that obstruction is relieved. Other causes of decreased kidney function leading to kidney failure are due to underlying disease and occur slowly over time.

Prevention is the best chance to maintain kidney function, and controlling high blood pressure and diabetes over a lifetime can decrease the potential for progressive kidney damage. Chronic kidney failure may be managed to help monitor electrolyte and waste product levels in the bloodstream. Major abnormalities can be life-threatening, and treatment options may be limited to dialysis or transplant.

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How To Diagnose Kidney Disease:

  • Blood tests are done to check the levels of blood urea nitrogen , creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate . In kidney disease, BUN and creatinines blood levels are high, whereas there is a substantial decrease in GFR.
  • Urine tests are also done to check the level of protein and electrolytes and abnormal cells presence. In case a person is suffering from kidney disease, microscopic analysis of the urine would reveal unwanted clumping of red and white blood cells.

    Comparing electrolyte levels in the blood and urine is used to decide whether the kidneys normally monitor and filter the blood.

  • Ultrasound of the abdomen is done to check the size and any obstruction in the kidneys.
  • A kidney biopsy is conducted for microscopic analysis of kidney tissues.
  • GFR below 60 mL/min/1.73m2 for three or more months indicates chronic kidney disease.

    What Can I Do To Protect My Kidney

    Exercise For Kidney Patients: Best exercise for kidney health and managing Kidney Disease

    Please avoid routine or frequent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , commonly thought of as Advil, Motrin or Aleve. These include: Celecoxib , Diclofenac , Etodolac , Ibuprofen , Indomethacin , Meloxicam , Nabumetone , Naproxen , Oxaprozin , Piroxicam , Sulindac , and Aspirin. The selective COX-2 inhibitors like Celebrex are also NSAIDS and can cause renal damage. Acetaminophen is safe to be used in patients with a kidney disease. Also try to avoid intravenous exposure to iodine-based contrast that is used for imaging studies like computerized tomography scans and angiograms since they can make kidney function worse. Non-contrast alternatives may be available. If an IV contrast procedure must be done, please let us know since certain interventions might protect your kidneys from contrast-induced kidney disease. If you have advanced renal disease you should avoid gadolinium-based intravenous contrast dye, commonly used in magnetic resonance studies. Gadolinium contrast has been associated with a rare but serious condition of thickening and hardening of the skin and organs called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Remember that the dose of some of the medications that you are using might need to be adjusted in patients who have CKD. Please bring the list of all of your medications including over the counter and herbal or natural remedies, to your medical appointments.

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    Is A Kidney Transplant An Option

    If kidney failure occurs and is non-reversible, kidney transplantation is an alternative option to dialysis. If the patient is an appropriate candidate, the healthcare professional and nephrologist will contact an organ transplant center to arrange evaluation to see whether the patient is suitable for this treatment. If so, the search for a donor begins. Sometimes, family members have compatible tissue types and, if they are willing, may donate a kidney. Otherwise, the patient will be placed on the organ transplant list that is maintained by the United Network of Organ Sharing.

    Not all hospitals are capable of performing kidney transplants. The patient may have to travel to undergo their operation. The most successful programs are those that do many transplants every year.

    While kidney transplants have become routine, they still carry some risk. The patient will need to take anti-rejection medications that reduce the ability of the immune system to fight infection. The body can try to reject the kidney or the transplanted kidney may fail to work. As with any operation, there is a risk of bleeding and infection.

    Kidney transplants may provide better quality of life than dialysis. After one year, 95% of transplanted kidneys are still functioning and after five years, the number is 80%. It seems that the longer a patient is on dialysis, the shorter the life of the transplanted kidney.

    Treatment For Kidney Disease

    If detected early enough, the progress of kidney disease can be slowed and sometimes even prevented. In the early stages, changes to diet and medication can help to increase the life of your kidneys.;

    If kidney function is reduced to less than 10 per cent of normal, the loss of function must be replaced by dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure that removes waste products and extra water from the blood by filtering it through a special membrane .;

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    Chronic Kidney Disease Diet Guidelines:

    Given below are the foods to eat for a CKD sufferer and also listed foods that a chronic kidney disease sufferer should avoid if he is serious about reversing his CKD naturally at home.

    You need to avoid protein-rich foods as they produce uric acid, which the kidneys have to excrete. This unnecessarily creates problems for the already affected kidneys. This includes chicken, red meat, pork, beef, and animal organs.

    Mutrakrichantak Churna: Helps In Treating Edema In Chronic Kidney Disease/fluid Accumulation

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    An Ayurvedic product named Mutrakrichantak Churna, which contains herbs like Punarnava, Varuna, Shigru, Apamarg, etc., is beneficial in naturally reviving kidney failure.

    It also helps to reduce accompanying fluid accumulation and kidney tissue inflammation. 1 to 2 teaspoons need to be taken twice a day for a week to get the benefits.

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    Medication To Reduce Cholesterol

    Studies have shown that people with CKD have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. This is because some of the risk factors for CKD are the same as those for heart attacks and strokes, including high blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol in the blood .

    Statins are a type of medication used to lower cholesterol levels. Cholesterol causes narrowing of the arteries that can lead to a blockage of the blood supply to the heart or the brain . Statins work by blocking the effects of an enzyme in your liver , which is used to make cholesterol.

    Statins sometimes have mild side effects, including:

    • constipation
    • headaches;
    • abdominal pain

    Occasionally, statins can cause muscle pain, weakness and tenderness. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your GP. You;may need to have a blood test or change your treatment.

    If you have kidney disease, you may be asked to reduce your daily fluid and salt intake. You may develop a build-up of fluid as your kidneys will not be able to get rid of fluid as well as they did before.

    If you are asked to reduce the amount of fluid you drink, you must also take into account fluid in foods, such as soup and yoghurt. Your GP or dietitian can advise you about this.

    The excess fluid that occurs as a result of kidney disease often builds up in your ankles or around your lungs. You may also be given diuretics , such as furosemide, which will help get rid of the excess fluid from your body.

    Will Kidney Failure Affect My Sex Life

    Kidney failure will affect your emotions, nerves, hormones, and energy levels, all of which may change your sexual relationships. Taking good care of yourself by managing your kidney disease and controlling your blood pressure and blood glucose levels can help prevent some sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction. Getting counseling may help with some emotional problems, such as anxiety and depression, which can get in the way of having satisfying sex.

    You may feel shy asking questions about your sex life, but your health care team has heard the same questions from other people. Your provider is trained to help you address concerns about your sex life.

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    Diabetes And Kidney Disease

    About 20 to 30 per cent of people with diabetes develop a type of kidney disease called diabetic nephropathy. This is a serious disease and may worsen other diabetic complications such as nerve and eye damage, as well as increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.;

    Diabetic nephropathy is the main cause of kidney failure;.;

    When Your Child Has A Chronic Kidney Disease

    Can you reverse kidney disease? How I improved my kidney function

    Parents of kids who are diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease have many questions about;what might happen next, how their child might feel, and what treatments are likely to;be involved.

    Four major areas of concern are blood pressure, diet, anemia , and growth. Kids may feel sick at times, need to take medicines, and watch what they eat and drink.

    Read on;to learn about treatments for kidney disease and what parents can do to help.

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    What Medications Are Prescribed For People With Chronic Kidney Disease

    Depending on the cause of your kidney disease, you may be prescribed one or more medications. Medications your nephrologist may prescribe include:

    • An angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker to lower your blood pressure.
    • A diuretic to help your body eliminate extra fluid.
    • Medications to lower cholesterol levels.
    • Erythropoetin, to build red blood cells if you are anemic.
    • Vitamin D and calcitrol to prevent bone loss.
    • Phosphate binder if your kidneys cant eliminate phosphate.

    Fatigue Or Feeling Of Tiredness All The Time During Day And Night

    Healthy kidneys create erythropoietin hormone, which orders the body to produce oxygen supplying red blood cells. However, when kidney failure takes place, the body creates EPO in lesser amount. With less numbers of red blood cells for carrying oxygen, brain and muscles tire very soon leading to tiredness feelings or fatigue.

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    When Do I Have To Start Dialysis

    For most people, the need for dialysis comes on slowly. Symptoms, such as losing your desire to eat and losing muscle, may begin so slowly that you dont notice them. Many people start dialysis when their kidney function is between 5 and 10. When kidney function is this low, you may have symptoms from kidney failure and starting dialysis may help relieve them. Starting dialysis can help you regain your appetite and maintain your strength, which is harder to rebuild than it is to retain. Your health care provider can help you decide the best time to begin treatment.

    Causes Of Decreased Kidney Function

    Kidney Diseases

    Diseases and conditions which reduce kidney functioning are:

    • Hypertension
    • Glomerulonephritis inflammation of the glomeruli.
    • Interstitial nephritis inflammation of the kidneys tubules.
    • Obstruction of the urinary tract for a protracted period of time, from conditions such as BEP, kidney stones and tumors.
    • Vesicoureteral reflux urine refluxes back up into the kidneys.
    • Type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus.
    • Smoking is another significant triggering factor.
    • Family history of a renal disease.
    • Abnormal renal structure.

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    What Is The Evidence To Support Left Ventricular Devices From The Kidney Standpoint

    Implantable and percutaneous assist devices can be used as a bridge for transplantation or, alternatively, as destination treatments for patients with CRS. Only a few studies have evaluated kidney function after insertion of these devices, and although they may be useful in improving kidney function in the short term , this has been less clear in the longer term . Our patient was not a candidate for a left ventricular assist device given his advanced right-sided heart failure. A biventricular assist device may have been considered but carries significant morbidity.

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