End-Stage Renal Disease

What is end-stage renal disease?

End-stage renal disease is the last phase of kidney disease that develops when your kidneys aren’t able to function, and you can’t survive without dialysis or a kidney transplant. 

According to the National Kidney Foundation®, many people with kidney disease don’t know they’re sick, including those with deficient kidney function who are close to end-stage renal disease. 

If you have symptoms of end-stage kidney disease, make an appointment at Houston Kidney Specialists Center right away. The warning signs of kidney failure include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue and weakness
• Changes in how much you urinate
• Muscle twitches and cramps
• Swollen feet and ankles
• Itching
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Hard-to-control high blood pressure

Many conditions can cause similar symptoms, so it’s critical to have an exam and testing to identify the underlying health issues. 

What causes kidney failure?

Kidney failure develops gradually. Often, other health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure harm your kidneys over time. Other factors that contribute to kidney damage and end-stage renal disease include:

• Lupus and other autoimmune diseases
• Polycystic kidney disease and other genetic conditions
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Urinary tract problems

Damage to your kidneys interferes with their ability to clean your blood, and eventually, if the damage worsens, your kidneys can’t keep up with your body’s needs. 

Some people experience acute kidney failure, which can develop within two days. Acute kidney failure is usually due to a heart attack, insufficient blood flow to the kidneys, or drug abuse. 

How do you treat end-stage renal disease?

You have two treatment options if you have end-stage renal disease – dialysis and a kidney transplant. 

Dialysis

Dialysis is a treatment that uses a machine to clean your blood outside of your body. Your doctor explains dialysis in more detail and provides personalized advice on what to expert. You might have different needs, but most patients have dialysis three times a week. 

In most cases, you have a procedure to place a port in your body to access your bloodstream, so on your dialysis days, you should wear comfortable clothing. Your doctor lets you know if you need to fast or take any other steps before your treatment.

Kidney transplant

Every year, around 23,400 Americans have kidney transplants. During this procedure, your surgeon removes your damaged kidney and replaces it with a donor organ. A single kidney can effectively clean your blood and restore your health. 

However, if you decide to treat end-stage renal disease, your doctor also recommends a special kidney diet to reduce the amount of sodium, potassium, and other minerals your kidneys filter out of your blood. They can also help you manage other conditions that contribute to kidney damage.  

Call Houston Kidney Specialists Center or schedule an appointment online today for expert treatment for end-stage renal disease.