Jan 01 2009
Kidney Failure Treatment
Acute Renal Failure
The treatment begins with steps to correct the cause of renal failure (shock, hemorrhage, burns, heart infarction, etc.). After this, the more specific treatment of the kidneys may include the administration of intravenous fluids (in a vein) to correct any abnormal fluid loss, medicines called diuretics, which increase the production of urine, water restriction, a diet with low amounts of protein and rich in carbohydrates (sugars), medications to adjust the high or low levels of chemicals such as potassium in the blood, and medications to control high blood pressure. If the patient developed severe hypertension, severe cardiac overload, congestive heart failure, symptoms of altered brain function or severe abnormalities in blood chemistry, dialysis in the short term may be needed.
Chronic Renal Failure
People with chronic renal failure are observed closely with frequent physical examinations, checking blood pressure and blood tests. Treatment includes a diet low in protein and salt, medicines to adjust the levels of blood chemicals, medicines to treat high blood pressure and sometimes a hormone called eritropoitina medicine to correct the anemia.
Terminal Renal Disease
It is treated with dialysis until a suitable donor can be found for a kidney transplant. High blood pressure in patients with severe or chronic pyelonephritis, both kidneys may need to be surgically removed before the transplant.