Prevention & Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), you probably feel overwhelmed. Take comfort in knowing that many people with CKD adjust to treatment and live happy and purposeful lives.

The staff of the Northwest Kidney Centers is committed to providing quality care and optimal service to people with kidney disease. We’re here to help make your life the best it can be!

Good care through dialysis or a transplant allows for a longer and more meaningful life.

 There are many ways to help delay or prevent kidney failure, especially when CKD is diagnosed in the mild to moderate stages. These include:

• Keeping your blood pressure at healthy levels. Your doctor might prescribe blood pressure medication to slow the action of angiotensin, a substance that may contribute to kidney disease progression. Keeping blood pressure under control also helps prevent heart disease and stroke.

• If you have diabetes, strict controls of your blood glucose levels can help slow the progression of kidney disease. Monitor your blood sugar levels often. Keep your hemoglobin A1c, which measures blood glucose control over the last two to three months, to less than 6.5 percent. Talk to your doctor about your diabetes treatment options.

• Sometimes, kidneys are damaged by infection or an obstruction. If this is the case, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic or perform surgery to unblock your urine flow.

• Kidneys can also be damaged by the over-use of prescription or non-prescription medications. Even some over-the-counter pain killers can be harmful if too many are taken. Discuss what medicines might help your pain while doing minimal harm to your kidneys. If you have CKD and are prescribed antibiotics talk to your doctor about the effect it may have on your kidneys.

• If you use street drugs, remember that your kidneys are a filter. Putting dangerous drugs into your system will cause your kidneys to have to work extra hard to filter your blood.

• Smoking is bad for your cardiovascular and overall health. Quitting may help you slow the progression of your CKD. There are many resources to help you quit. Talk to your doctor or contact the American Lung Association. It’s never too late to quit smoking!

• Certain diseases, like lupus, can cause your immune system to overreact and become inflamed. Discuss possible alternate treatments with your physician.

• Eating well, getting enough rest, exercising often and meditating are all lifestyle choices you can make that will help you stay in better overall health, which in turn will help you manage your CKD. 

Treatment Options

Dialysis:

Dialysis is a means of removing toxic substances (impurities or wastes) from the blood when your kidneys are unable to do so. Dialysis is usually used for patients who have kidney failure.

There are two main types of dialysis:

Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis works by using your body's peritoneal membrane (located inside the abdomen) as a semi-permeable membrane. Solutions that remove toxins are let into the body, remain in your abdomen for a specific time period, and are then drained out. This form of dialysis must be performed everyday. It is sometimes appropriate to do this at home.

Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis works by circulating the blood through special filters outside your body. Typically, most patients undergo hemodialysis for three sessions every week. This type of treatment takes place at a “Dialysis Center”, and each session lasts about 3-4 hours.

Kidney Transplants

Having a kidney transplant is a good option for many people. If you are interested or want more information on transplants, speak to your nephrologist. Your doctor will refer you to a transplant center where a transplant team will evaluate your condition and determine if you are a candidate for a kidney transplant. A medical exam and various specific tests will be performed. This evaluation will also determine if you are strong enough to undergo a major surgery.

For more information on Northwest Kidney Centers' programs, call us at (206) 292-2771 or contact us via email.