What are the treatment options for chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease means the kidneys are not filtering waste and balancing fluid as effectively as expected over time. Care focuses on slowing further damage and treating conditions that put strain on the kidneys, such as high blood pressure or diabetes. A clinician may monitor kidney function, urine findings, blood pressure and symptoms.

Medicines may be adjusted to protect kidney function or manage complications such as anaemia, swelling, mineral imbalance or raised potassium. Some pain medicines and supplements can be unsuitable, so share every medicine and supplement with your care team. More advanced disease may require discussion of specialist kidney care and future treatment choices.

Book a Chronic Disease Review to agree how often your results should be checked. Take medicines as prescribed, keep blood pressure and diabetes reviews, avoid starting over-the-counter pain medicine without advice, and follow the fluid and salt guidance given for you. A Blood Test may be part of monitoring, alongside urine checks. Bring a current medicine list to appointments.

Get urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, a seizure, fainting, or very little urine with increasing swelling. Seek prompt advice for persistent vomiting, sudden weakness, a new irregular heartbeat or rapidly worsening swelling. Kidney symptoms can be subtle, so a noticeable change deserves clinical assessment even without pain.

Ask what may be causing your kidney changes, what your monitoring results mean, which medicines or supplements to avoid, and how blood pressure or diabetes targets apply to you. Ask when to arrange your next Chronic Disease Review and whether referral to a kidney specialist is needed.