How to Treat Impaired Kidney Function

Impaired kidney function can be caused by a number or underlying diseases and conditions and can be treated through a combination of diet, medication and lifestyle choices. The severity of kidney disease and the treatment options available depend largely on the cause of reduced kidney functions. While some cases of impaired kidney function can be treated quickly and easily, others require a long commitment to often annoying, difficult and expensive treatment.

Things You'll Need

• ACE inhibitor drug
• Diuretic
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Low-sodium, low-potassium, low-phosphorus, low-protein diet
• Phosphorus binders
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Antibiotics

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Instructions

How to Treat Impaired Kidney Function

• 1

  Identify and treat the underlying disease or condition. Impaired kidney function can be caused by a number of conditions and diseases such as dehydration, blood loss, adverse reactions to medications, sepsis, kidney stones and extremely serious conditions such as prostate cancer or abdominal tumors. Once whatever is causing impaired kidney function has been identified, your doctor can prescribe a customized treatment plan to restore kidney function or slow the progression of kidney disease and kidney failure.

• 2

  Control medical conditions that can further damage kidneys. Keep blood pressure under control to avoid further exacerbating the kidneys and damaging the cardiovascular system. Quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, take ACE inhibitor medications, manage stress levels and exercise at least three to five times a week to keep blood pressure low. Diabetics with reduced kidney function must keep their blood sugar levels constant to retain existing kidney function. Control high cholesterol to avoid further kidney impairment

• 3

  Adhere to a specialized diet. Stick to a low-sodium, low-potassium, low-phosphorus and low-protein diet. Phosphorus binders can be prescribed by your doctor to prevent over-absorption of phosphorous and sodium bicarbonate can help slow the breakdown of proteins in the body. Avoid drinking too much water and liquids, as this can lead to water retention. A doctor can prescribe diuretics in order to rid the body of excess liquid.

• 4

  Catch and treat infections early. Bladder, kidney and urinary tract infections should be treated with antibiotics to avoid further damage to the kidneys.

• 5

  Undergo dialysis or kidney transplantation if kidney function is severely reduced. Dialysis works by replacing the function of the kidneys and removing harmful wastes from the blood. Although not a cure for kidney disease, dialysis can prolong an individual's life. Kidney transplantation is the best and only long-term treatment for kidney failure.