Kidney failure is just what it sounds like–loss of kidney function to the point where your kidneys alone can no longer eliminate toxins and keep you alive. For individuals with chronic kidney disease, this is known as end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Kidney disease can be measured by the estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR. This value indicates about how well your kidneys are filtering your blood. Kidney failure is the most severe stage (stage 5) of kidney disease, and at this stage, eGFR is below 15.
If you or a loved one has kidney disease or kidney failure, it’s important to know the facts behind kidney failure and treatment. Keep reading to find out more about this important topic and where you can go in Brockton or Taunton, MA, for expert kidney care.
Fact #1 Kidney Failure Can be Acute or Chronic
When one or both of your kidneys stop working suddenly – in less than a few days – this is known as acute kidney failure. This mostly affects people who are already critically ill and need intense care at a hospital. Impaired blood flow to the kidneys, direct damage to your kidneys, and urine blockage are some reasons that can lead to acute kidney failure.
On the other hand, chronic kidney failure occurs when one or both kidneys gradually stop working over the course of three months or longer. Diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, interstitial nephritis, and more can slowly damage the kidneys over several months or years and lead to chronic kidney failure.
Fact #2 Acute Kidney Failure is Reversible
Acute kidney failure can be reversible if it is treated right away and the patient is otherwise in good health. This means, with acute kidney failure, you may recover your normal or near-normal kidney function after some time and treatment. However, this is not extremely common as most patients that experience acute kidney failure are usually already critically ill in some other way.
Fact #3 Kidney Failure Can Lead to Other Diseases
Kidney failure is not only the result of other health problems, but can also be the cause of other medical conditions.
For instance, when the kidneys start to fail, they can no longer eliminate the extra water from the body. As a result,water accumulates in the body, leading toedema (swelling) and decreased muscle function. Extra water also means your heart must work harder to pump blood, thereby increasing the risk of heart disease.
Treatments Options Available for Kidney Failure
Kidney failure patients always need treatment to replace lost kidney function and stay alive. The two main treatments for ESRD/ESKDare dialysis and kidney transplant.
Dialysis
Dialysis is a process in which something other than your kidneys filters your blood. This mimics the function of your kidneys and is an artificial way of removing waste products and excess fluid from the body.It can be done in following ways:
Peritoneal Dialysis
This type of dialysis uses the thin lining over your abdominal organs, or peritoneum, to filter your blood in place of your kidneys. Before peritoneal dialysis can begin, a catheter must be surgically placed inside your abdomen before dialysis can begin.
After the catheter is placed, peritoneal dialysis is performed by connecting a bag of cleansing fluid to your catheter. This fluid contains water, salt, and other additives that help attract toxins to be removed. As the fluid goes into your abdomen, the peritoneum filters out waste products from the blood, which are discarded through a drain line.
Hemodialysis
In this type of dialysis, a machine filters toxins from your blood.
During hemodialysis, a machine removes the blood from your body and filters it through an artificial kidney to remove toxins. Then, the filtered blood is returned to your body.
Kidney Transplant
This is a surgical process in which your surgeon removes your failed kidney and replaces it with a healthy kidney from a matching living or deceased donor.
Kidney transplant is needed when both kidneys cannot function properly and dialysis is not enough. It is possible to live with one kidney, so kidney transplants often involve only one kidney, not two. After transplant, there will be no need for continued dialysis.
Kidney Failure Treatment in SE Massachusetts
If you have a kidney disease, seek care from our kidney specialists at Associates in Nephrology – Drs. Bohl, and Wu. They are all board-certified in nephrology and internal medicine, so they have all the experience and knowledge needed to effectively treat your condition and save you from the worst – renal failure.
Even if you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of renal failure, you still have options. At our facilities, we offer kidney failure treatments like dialysis and kidney transplant and recommend treatments based on your individual needs. We treat our patients with great care and compassion so that you feel comfortable and confident at every step of your healthcare journey.
Book an appointment with us today by calling (508) 587-0700 or request an appointment now. We look forward to treating you!
