In this Article

• What are the kidneys?
• What causes kidney failure?
• What are the symptoms of kidney failure?
• How is kidney failure diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for kidney failure?
• Diet
• Medications
• Dialysis
• Hemodialysis
• Peritoneal dialysis
• Patient Discussions: Kidney Failure - Symptoms at Onset of Disease
• Kidney Failure Glossary
• Kidney Failure Index

Diet

Diet is an important consideration for those with impaired kidney function. Consultation with a dietician may be helpful to understand what foods may or may not be appropriate.

Since the kidneys cannot easily remove excess water, salt, or potassium, they may need to be consumed in limited quantities. Foods high in potassium include bananas, apricots, and salt substitutes.

Phosphorus is a forgotten chemical that is associated with calcium metabolism and may be elevated in kidney failure. Too much phosphorus can leech calcium from the bones and cause osteoporosis and fractures. Foods with high phosphorus content include milk, cheese, nuts, and cola drinks.

Medications

Medications may be used to help control some of the issues associated with kidney failure.

• Phosphorus-lowering medications [calcium carbonate (Caltrate), calcitriol (Rocaltrol), sevelamer (Renagel)]
  
  
• Red blood cell production stimulation [erythropoietin, darbepoetin (Aranesp)]
  
  
• Red blood cell production (iron supplements)
  
  
• Blood pressure medications
  
  
• Vitamins

Once the kidneys fail completely, the treatment options are limited to dialysis or kidney replacement by transplantation.

Dialysis

Dialysis cleanses the body of waste products in the body by use of filter system. There are two types of dialysis.

Kidney Failure - Symptoms at Onset of Disease

The MedicineNet physician editors ask:

The symptoms of kidney failure can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?

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• Low Blood Pressure - Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension). Low blood pressure is blood pressure below normal and symptoms may include: lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). There are many causes of low blood pressure, and treatment is dependant upon the cause.

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