Notes for people with end-stage renal disease

Dialysis or kidney transplant and a healthy lifestyle are what people with end-stage kidney disease need to do to prolong their lives.

Chronic kidney disease usually progresses to end-stage renal disease 10 to 20 years after diagnosis. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is the fifth stage of chronic kidney disease, as measured by the body's glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

A rapid decline in normal kidney function is a sign of the onset of ESRD. Symptoms include: decreased urination or inability to urinate; fatigue, headaches; unexplained weight loss; nausea and vomiting; dry and itchy skin, changes in skin color; bone pain; easy bruising; confusion, difficulty concentrating... or sleep problems such as obstructive sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome (RLS).

ESRD is often caused by diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure). If a person has diabetes, the body cannot properly break down glucose (sugar), leading to high blood sugar levels that damage the kidneys. If a person has high blood pressure, the increased pressure on the small blood vessels in the kidneys can damage them, preventing them from filtering blood properly. Therefore, people with diabetes or hypertension need to control their condition to avoid making it worse.

Other causes of ESRD include: long-term blockage of the urinary tract due to kidney stones, prostate enlargement, or certain cancers; glomerulonephritis; vesicoureteral reflux causing urine to flow into the kidneys; congenital abnormalities... or certain autoimmune conditions such as lupus.

People with end-stage kidney disease can still live many more years if treated promptly and properly. Photo: Freepik

For people with end-stage renal disease, treatment is usually dialysis or kidney transplant. In addition, following a healthy diet, limiting foods high in sodium and potassium such as bananas, tomatoes, chocolate..., and being physically active also helps patients reduce complications and prolong life.

Some vaccines can help prevent serious complications of ESRD. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the hepatitis B and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) has shown promising results, especially before and during dialysis treatment. In addition, patients should supplement calcium, vitamins C, D, and iron to help the kidneys function well and absorb essential nutrients. Patients should talk to their doctor for advice.

End-stage kidney disease, if left untreated, can lead to a number of complications, including: skin infections due to dry and itchy skin; joint, bone and muscle pain; weak and brittle bones; nerve damage; liver failure; malnutrition; anemia; stomach and intestinal bleeding; brain dysfunction and memory loss; seizures..., even life-threatening.

If treated promptly and properly, people with ESRD can still live for many years. Therefore, people whose kidney function begins to decline need to regularly monitor the progression of the disease as well as follow the doctor's advice and instructions in using medication and daily living.

Hai My ( According to Healthline )

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