HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING Q&A: END STAGE KIDNEY DISEASE

What are the treatment and prevention options for end stage renal disease?

Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

You can take steps to reduce your risk of developing end-stage renal disease: • If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar. • Closely monitor and aggressively treat high blood pressure. • If you have kidney disease, avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). • Talk with your doctor about medication to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. • Quitting smoking and lowering cholesterol levels may also help. Treatment options once the kidneys fail are hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplant.

What are the causes and symptoms of end stage renal disease?

Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

End-stage renal disease is a condition in which the kidneys no longer function normally. Diabetes is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Other causes of end-stage renal disease are high blood pressure; atherosclerosis; autoimmune diseases like lupus erythematosus/in-systemic lupus erythematosus?ocid=feed-health-article" target="_blank">systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus); genetic disorders, such as polycystic kidney disease; and medication side effects. Symptoms of end-stage renal disease may include decreased urination, fatigue, poor appetite, weight loss, nausea, and itching.

→ Learn more about end stage kidney disease: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.

2024-04-19T15:03:37Z dg43tfdfdgfd