Dialysis Dependent Patients May Still Recover Renal Function

The loss of kidney functions is the main reason why patients undergo dialysis treatment, health care providers say, but it does not mimic all the functions of a normal kidney and more people are becoming dependent on this procedure. The occurrence of renal recovery among patients who are dependent with dialysis treatment is possible but rare, according to a study published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), in which health care providers need to be aware of this possibility. Some may have better prognosis before they start their treatment but full recover may still not be possible.

Most of the body’s waste product is filtered and excreted by the kidney. If this organ is damaged, the whole body will be ridden with waste that may lead to other health problems. The severe damage to the kidneys forces men and women to undergo continuous dialysis treatment. There are some patients who have gotten better after undergoing treatment because kidney failure is not always a permanent condition. Treatment of acute kidney failure may only require a short period of time in dialysis treatment. Patients may choose between two methods of dialysis – peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis.

Renal function recovery may be possible for acute kidney failure patients who have not been exposed to long-term treatment of dialysis. Still, health care providers keep an open eye for chronic dialysis patients to have some form of renal recovery even though it is rare because the phenomenon is not impossible. Various studies have been conducted to evaluate the data on this phenomenon. Patients may be kept in constant observation and may undergo several diagnostic tests to confirm kidney function recovery.

The chances of recovery may be slim for people with diabetes and high serum albumin level when they started the treatment. While those who have episodes of acute renal failure, low blood sugar, and low serum albumin level before treatment have higher chances of gaining back their health. This helps men and women to follow through with their treatment, even though the possibility is low.

How to Keep the Kidneys Healthy

There are many health problems found in developed countries and kidney diseases are one of the most common health concerns faced by citizens, health studies show. In the United States, kidney diseases are growing to be a public health burden as it steadily increases in number, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearing house (NKUDIC), with about one in every 10 adults having chronic kidney disease (CKD). This only shows that caring for one’s kidneys is a needed and is supposed to be a responsibility of the patient as well as the health care providers.

The risks of developing kidney diseases may include: high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of kidney problems, race, age, and heart disease. There are many tips to follow in keeping the kidneys healthy for men and women at risk. A Healthy kidney may be achieved through these tips from the National Kidney Disease Education Program:

–      Make sure to maintain a healthy blood pressure level. Kidneys act in regulating the body’s blood pressure. Blood pressure levels may vary depending on age and gender but the usual is below 120/80. An achievable blood pressure level may be suggested by health care providers and it may be maintained through proper diet and medications.

–      Avoid too much salt. Salt often triggers the body to retain more fluids. This might become a problem for those who are at risk of developing kidney problems if they are not able to curb their salt intake.

–      Take medications only as advised and sparingly. Most drugs are excreted through the kidneys and some of these medications directly affect the kidneys.

–      Exercise regularly. It may be helpful in keeping the whole body healthy and not just the kidneys.

–      Maintain a proper body weight. Those who are obese and overweight are prone to develop many diseases including kidney problems.

–      Limit drinking alcohol. Too much alcohol causes the blood pressure to rise which leads damage to the kidneys. People with drinking problems may not only have kidney diseases but also problems with their liver.

–      Choose to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Other foods need to be minimized if not avoided. Kidney damage is often exacerbated caused by too much smoke.

–      Proper management of blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Health care providers believe that healthy kidneys are achievable.

URL References:
kidneyfund.org/kidney-health/are-you-at-risk/
kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/kustats/
nkdep.nih.gov/learn/keep-kidneys-healthy.shtml