How is chronic kidney disease treated?

Treatment is shaped by how well the kidneys filter blood, the amount of protein in urine, blood pressure and the condition causing kidney damage. Medicines may control blood pressure, reduce strain on the kidneys or manage diabetes and cholesterol when relevant. Your clinician may adjust doses because some medicines leave the body through the kidneys.

Attend scheduled blood and urine checks and take prescribed medicines consistently. Do not start anti-inflammatory painkillers, supplements or herbal products without checking, because some can harm kidneys or alter treatment. Follow advice about salt, fluid intake, weight, smoking and activity; fluid needs differ between people. Keep a list of medicines and tell clinicians that you have kidney disease.

Seek prompt care for new facial swelling, markedly swollen ankles, very little urine, severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion or repeated vomiting. Contact your clinician if thirst, fatigue, muscle cramps or restless legs are becoming troublesome, as these can accompany changes in kidney function or mineral balance.

Ask what is causing your kidney disease, which results are being monitored, whether any medicines need dose changes, and what fluid or dietary advice fits your kidney function.