Renal failure is the disease in which functions of the kidney are affected. The kidney is responsible for eliminating waste products from the blood. Regulation of blood pressure, production of red blood cells, and maintenance of electrolyte balance are other functions performed by the kidney. Failure of the kidney disrupts these functions. Renal failure is of two types – acute renal failure and chronic renal failure.
Causes of renal failure vary and treatment of many of these causes is possible. Renal failure is considered difficult to cure. Diabetes can also result in this condition. Due to damaged functioning of the kidney, waste products accumulate in the blood, causing symptoms of renal failure viz. shortness of breath, confusion, lethargy, and weakness. Blood tests can help diagnose renal failure.
Treatment of Renal Failure
Treatment of causes associated with kidney failure can help in recovering functions of the kidney. It can also help control diabetes. If this treatment does not work, options such as dialysis or kidney transplant can be availed.
Conditions of kidney failure that may cause further damage can be prevented using various treatment options. Left without proper treatment, diseases like diabetes and hypertension can lead to further kidney damage. Kidney dialysis is of two types – hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis may be performed either at a dialysis center or at home. In this treatment, the dialysis machine is connected to the patient using tubes. This treatment method helps in the filtration of blood and thereby cures symptoms of diseases. The process takes three to four hours and may be performed up to three times per week. Proper dietary precautions must be followed after any dialysis.
In peritoneal dialysis treatment, a peritoneal membrane is permanently placed in the abdomen. This peritoneal membrane is used to filter blood. In the treatment, a fluid called a dialysate is infused in the abdominal cavity and the waste drained out afterwards. Four to five such exchanges can be done daily.
Transplantation is done to cure chronic failure of kidney. In this cure, a donated kidney is transplanted in the patient’s lower abdominal region. This surgical method makes the donated organ perform the natural functions required by the patient’s body. Medicine is necessary by the patient as prescribed by the doctor to prevent organ rejection.
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