Kidney Treatment

Kidney Treatment Options for You to Consider

In considering kidney treatment options, the first step is defining exactly what kind of kidney treatment is needed. There are dozens of different types of kidney problems and disorders, and although there are common therapy themes, your kidney treatment will depend on the condition you need to treat.

Among the common themes: smoking and alcohol. Your doctor will recommend, of course, that you don't smoke at all. Drink alcohol sensibly. There's evidence that red wine may be somewhat heart healthy, but alcoholic beverages in general are bad for your kidneys (your liver too).

The most common kidney treatment options are listed below.

Kidney disease and kidney failure 

Kidney disease often leads to kidney failure, so we'll consider these two under one heading. Chronic kidney disease occurs when there's ongoing damage to the kidneys. If this damage is not arrested, it leads to kidney failure.

Kidney disease is often caused by other health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure (see below).

When kidney damage has not reached the critical stage, it can be limited with lifestyle changes: namely exercising, losing weight, and eating a diet that promotes kidney health.

Some medications can damage your kidneys, especially ibuprofen, naproxen sodium (found in Aleve), and celecoxib (found in Celebrex). Your doctor can give you guidance on such medications.

It's also important to keep plenty of water running through your kidneys. Dehydration damages kidney tissue.

When a kidney fails, treatment options are generally limited to hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation. For more detailed information on these options, click on kidney failure treatment.

Kidney stones

When you have a kidney stone, your doctor will tell you to drink plenty of water. There's a chance this simple treatment will "flush it out" without resorting to removal surgery or a process known as lithotripsy.

In the meantime, a kidney stone can make your life miserable since it can cause severe, even debilitating pain. Your doctor will probably describe pain medication to help you cope while you give the stone a chance to pass naturally through urination.

If the natural method doesn't work, procedures like lithotripsy or kidney stone removal surgery may be necessary.

Treatment for a kidney infection

Sometimes a kidney infection is caused by bladder infection that migrates upward from the bladder. Other causes include urine backup, tumors, prostate growth problems, kidney stones, injuries, scars from previous infections, or even pregnancy.

If an obstruction is causing the infection, it will be necessary to find a way to fix it. If the infection is bacterial, a combination of rest and antibiotics usually provide the best treatment. Your doctor will prescribe medications and tell you to take it easy for a week or possibly even two. Then he or she will order blood tests, take your blood pressure and have a urinalysis done.

Kidney cancer treatment

Kidney cancer treatment options are similar to the options available for any type of cancer. You may have to have the tumor removed, or even have the kidney removed. Other kidney treatment possibilities include hormone therapy, biological therapy, embolization, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney problems

Diabetes and high blood pressure (also known as hypertension) are health problems that are especially hard on your kidneys.

Diabetes makes it harder for the kidneys to filter your blood efficiently. High sugar levels of sugar make the kidneys work harder. After a while, waste products and toxins get through your kidney's filters. This not only results in damage to kidney tissue, but harms other organs as well.

High blood pressure is also a serious danger to kidney health. When you have high blood pressure, the heart uses more force to push blood through your system. This added force slowly tears at your kidney tissue. Even a slight rise in blood pressure can cause serious kidney problems, especially if you have diabetes too.

The best kidney treatment for problems caused by diabetes and high blood pressure is a series of lifestyle changes. The same habits that keep your heart healthy will also promote good kidney function.

• Exercise several times a week. Try to elevate your heart rate for at least twenty to thirty minutes with each session.
• Watch your diet by focusing on healthy, low fat, low cholesterol meals with a minimum of salt, and
• Don't use tobacco products at all. Keep alcohol consumption down to one drink or less per day.

 
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